Challenging test for Davies in Australia

CHAZ Davies insisted he would be ready for the World Superbike Championship (WSBK) season opener despite a poor final test at Phillip Island last week.

The Presteigne star was only 11th fastest on the Australian track on his Aruba Ducati Panigale.

Davies said: “This test had just been nothing special really. Not finding improvements where I need to find them to improve our lap time.

“I just feel a little bit held back at the minute but I am still optimistic that it can still all come together for the weekend.”

Davies added: “I have had tests like this before and I have always picked it up come race time or at least improved come race time.

“However we are still further off than I would ideally like to be.

Davies insisted the main problem was gearing and making the reduced-rev 2018 V-twin engine work.

“Over the course of the season I think it will be the thing that probably gets a bit tricky at certain tracks,” warned Davies who will have to get used to a reduced rev limit in 2018.

Davies said: “It is like somebody had switched it off when it still wants to go. Having said that our speed is still OK.”

“I do not need to know the technicalities about it. I think we have got something coming for the weekend again to try and help us.”

Davies has not only bike issues but also fitness problems following a big crash at Jerez last year.

“My own condition is actually better over last 10 days or so,” said Davies. “Pretty much since our team launch things have got a bit better. Obviously a bit too late, but better late than never.

“There is no one area of my body that is holding me back. I am ready to go. I feel a bit better on the bike but I was not in perfect condition at Jerez and Portimao.”