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SBK, Davies breaks the spell and wins at Buriram, Melandri 7th

The Welshman puts an end to Kawasaki domination at the Thai track, Lowes and van Der Mark complete the podium. Rea 4th ahead of Fores

SBK: Davies breaks the spell and wins at Buriram, Melandri 7th

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It really looked as if Kawasaki had cast some sort of spell, putting a curse on everyone else. Up until today, a Kawasaki had in fact won every one of the seven races held thus far at the Thai track (6 wins for Rea, 1 for Sykes), but today it was Chaz Davies' turn. The Welshman got back on the right track in Buriram, taking yesterday's third place and improving on it to achieve his first win of the season today. From seventh on the grid, Chaz quickly climbed the field, thanks also to the battles taking place up front, moving into the lead and then setting a pace that proved untenable for his rivals: “the first laps were incredible, a real battle with so many passes that weren't easy to interpret. I'm pleased with the win because we've worked really hard, particularly since yesterday, which didn't go as we'd hoped. I hope to improve further ahead of the next race”.

Behind him, Yamaha celebrates with both its riders on the podium. Michael Van Der Mark was the last man standing in the fight against Davies, reaching the line just two seconds behind the Welshman: “I wasn't happy after yesterday's race, today has gone better. I changed the front tyre and this really helped, I was fast and am very pleased with what we've achieved".

Third for Alex Lowes, who battled his team-mate in the early stages before defending himself from various attacks by other riders during the central phase. “It wasn't easy at the start, particularly battling with Marco. The bike was better compared to yesterday, we've done a great job which allowed me to do this. i tried to catch Michael in the final stages but I couldn't, I'm very happy anyway”.

Just missing out on the podium is Jonathan Rea. A strange race for the world champion, who was suffering along the straight and therefore had to brake at the limit in order to pass, something that caused him to make several mistakes. He was able to pick up the pace in the final stages, but it was too late to do any more.

Behind him, Xavi Fores and Leon Camier, while Marco Melandri closes seventh: a similar race to yesterday's for the Italian, in difficulty during the second half of the race. He was followed across the line by a strong Razgatlioglu, with Savadori and Jacobsen rounding out the top ten. Torres and Laverty both crashed and were taken to the medical centre, though fortunately neither suffered any serious injuries, while Tom Sykes was forced to retire due to a technical problem.

CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS: Rea 69 punti, Melandri 67, Fores 60, Davies 57

 

Translated by Heather Watson
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