Davies lauds wind tunnel test in Munich

GoldBet BMW's Chaz Davies has undertaken a programme of extensive aerodynamic testing aimed at enhancing his prospects at the next round of the World Superbike Championship at Monza in Italy.

The BMW Motorrad factory rider, who is currently joint second in the series standings with Eugene Laverty and Tom Sykes on 83 points, spent an afternoon on his S1000RR in the BMW Group's wind tunnel facility in Munich following the third round at Assen.

Davies experimented with a variety of riding positions at simulated speeds similar to those experienced at the super-fast Italian circuit, with the aim of reducing the amount of drag encountered on Monza's long straights.

His team-mate, Marco Melandri, underwent the same tests last year during his first season on the BMW S1000RR.

"It was a really interesting afternoon," Davies said. "When testing on a track, you try new development parts and different settings but you are not working on your body.

"So it was great to experience in a stable environment with my riding position, to move myself around on the bike, to have elbows and shoulders in different positions and to then see in the data what difference it makes.

"I have learnt that I have to try and get myself inside the bike sooner on the exit of the corner in order to reduce the drag and be faster on the straights," he added.

"It was good to see what difference that will make if we can improve that for the next race.

"Especially on a track like Monza, the aerodynamic efficiency is very important because every lap we are wide open for much longer than any other circuit on the calendar," said Davies.

"Having the right riding position helps me to make best use of the powerful BMW engine on the straights."

Davies has made an excellent start to the 2013 World Superbike Championship, winning both races at Aragon in Spain.