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Chaz Davies' focus was clear to see on the starting line: the Ducati rider was well aware that the Imola round, in front of all the Borgo Panigale staff, would be a fundamental one, to be won for two reasons, both to keep the championship open and to bring the Panigale R back to the top step of the rostrum at its home track.
Chaz made a strong start from pole and went all out right from the very first corner and up until the red flag, which came out after Laverty made contact with Lowes heading into Rivazza and crashed: “Today I wanted to win and I did just that - said a satisfied Davies- because my pace was unbeatable. This is our home race and so I dedicate this victory to all the guys in Ducati”.
This is the second win of the season for Davies, while Rea finished second for the second time; today the championship leader didn't have the pace to win, just like one year ago at the Santerno track. Rounding out the podium with a strong third place finish is Melandri, despite the rear wheel of his Panigale sliding and smoking.
Tom Sykes just missed the podium, fourth, ahead of team Barni's Xavi Fores and a strong Leon Camier on the MV Agusta. Seventh for Dutchman Van Der Mark with the Yamaha, ahead of his team-mate Alex Lowes on the second R1, having made contact with Laverty before the Irishman's subsequent crash stopped the race. Alex and Eugene came into contact through a fast downhill section and the Aprilia rider was unable to brake in time for Rivazza, flying into the sand at high speed. his RSV4 hit the barrier, exploding into flames and the race was brought to a close.
Ninth for Roman Ramos with the privateer Kawasaki, Stefan Bradl tenth with the only Honda left on track, after Hayden retired due to a technical problem. Eleventh for De Angelis despite the physical issues with his arm, injured back in his MotoGP days, Lorenzo Savadori finished twelfth, following close behind the San Marino rider. He was followed by Krummenacher, with points also for De Rosa on the BMW Althea and Badovini with the ZX10R of Grillini.
Championship standings: Rea 215, Sykes 144, Davies 136.
