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SBK, Davies is red fury at Imola, beating Rea and Sykes

Grand double win for the Ducati riding Welshman with his third victory of the season, no chance for the Kawasakis, Melandri 5th behind Fores

SBK: Davies is red fury at Imola, beating Rea and Sykes

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When Chaz Davies crossed the line with his hands held high to signify victory, the Imola grandstands exploded in celebration with him: the hometown hero won for the second time this weekend, his third of 2017, demonstrating that the number 7 Ducati Panigale R is the only bike on the grid able to trouble defending champion Johnny Rea.

It began as an uphill race for Davies who started from the ninth spot (after the grid inversion) and he was relegated to a position far from the podium, but the blown engine in Badovini’s Kawasaki flooded the track with oil and the red flag came out. It was a stroke of luck for Chaz, who reprioritized and got off the line better at the second start, overtaking anyone who appeared before him, all the way to Sykes, mercilessly beating him out going into the Variante Bassa turn.

The rest was “business as usual” for Davies, overcome by the fans and the excitement. “I am very happy - words did not come easily to Chaz - The bike worked well from the first practice session. I don’t know what to say because I am too emotional. Forza Ducati!”

Today, Rea once again had to “settle” for second place. His advantage in the overall standings is still significant, with Davies lying second now, but the maths still say that anything is possible. Donington will be a fundamental round for him and also for Sykes, who has yet to win a race this year, finishing third today on the banks of the Santerno.

Marco Melandri finished below the podium in fifth, unable to keep the pace with the top three and having to give in to the attacks of Xavi Fores who finished with an outstanding fourth place astride the Barni Panigale. The two victims of the big crash yesterday, Lowes and Laverty, finished sixth and seventh ahead of Torres and Van Der Mark.

Argentinian Tati Mercado was tenth on his Iodaracing Aprilia and satellite rider Roman Ramos with his GO Eleven Kawasaki was eleventh, beating out even the (official?!) Hondas ridden by Hayden and Bradl today, with Savadori and his Aprilia stuck between the two team Ten Kate Fireblades. De Rosa missed the fifteenth place point which went to Swiss rider Krummenacher astride his Puccetti Ninja.

Rider standings: Rea 235, Davies 161, Sykes 160

 

 

 

 

Translated by Jonathan Blosser
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