Davies hunts more top speed in Thailand

After putting his Phillip Island race two crash in the past, Chaz Davies says he wants demonstrate how far he and the Aruba.it Racing Ducati squad has improved over the last 12 months in Thailand.

The Welsh rider and Ducati lost out on the Chang International Circuit's long straights when the track made its World Superbike debut in 2015 with Davies finishing outside the top ten in both races.

Both Davies and team-mate Davide Giugliano are keen to find stronger top speed from the updated Panigale R and Thailand will provide the ideal test.

"In Phillip Island, we've been close to winning both races," Davies said. "Of course crashing out of race two wasn't ideal, but those things happen when you're going for the top prize and I've put it behind me already.

"I've stayed in Asia to train and get myself acquainted with the heat and humidity, so I feel ready. Last year, in Thailand, we struggled with the long straights. The Panigale R has improved a lot since then, but we need to keep pushing the development forward to find a little extra in terms of top speed."

Despite crashing in race two in Australia Davies was able to recover to take tenth place and coupled with his runner-up spot from the 2016 season opener the factory Ducati rider sits fourth overall, 24 points off leader Jonathan Rea.