Superbike: Second row for Chaz Davies at Sepang

The result was perhaps not what was hoped for on the eve, given the supremacy demonstrated at Laguna Seca just two weeks ago: Chaz Davies will start from the second row in the two races scheduled for tomorrow (7.30 and 10.30 in Italy) of the Pirelli Malaysian Round, in thanks to the sixth time set today in qualifying.

In the morning (3.45 in Italy) in dry conditions (air temperatures 28°C, asphalt 33°C) Ducati, which we remind you will field only Davies' Panigale in Sepang and will not replace the injured Davide Giugliano, took to the track for the third free practice session, with the aim of especially improving rear grip and testing the new Pirelli tyres.
In this round Davies was unable to improve on yesterday's performance, but the time recorded was still sufficient for direct access to Superpole 2 with sixth place.

In free practice Chaz was also the victim of a crash, fortunately harmless, at turn 9, which however caused him to lose precious time to work on the bike before the Superpole.

In qualifying after completing one lap with the race tyre, Davies took to the track with the qualifying solution, completing two laps, doing everything possible to qualify in the front rows and despite not having yet found the desired feeling, he managed to stop the clock in 2'04.179, closing the session in sixth final position.
The Welshman will start from the second row in tomorrow's races.
 
“After yesterday's positive day, today we had more difficulties and we don't know exactly why” - he said Chaz Davies– “I admit that I didn't do my best with the qualifying tire in Superpole, but I didn't have a good feeling with the bike and it was therefore very difficult to do better. When the asphalt temperature rises it seems like you can't find the necessary grip, the electronics do everything they can to give me more grip, but this ultimately penalizes me in terms of speed and acceleration when exiting corners. Tomorrow will be two very difficult races, but we will continue to work and try to improve a little tonight and tomorrow morning in the warm-up..”