Chaz Davies becomes Ducati rider coach

With a decade of WSBK experience under his belt, Davies was responsible for coaching Ducati WSBK factory riders Alvaro Bautista and Michael Ruben Rinaldi, as well as World Supersport representative Nicolo Bulega, during the 2022 campaign. in 13 innings.

The announcement ensures the Welshman will remain in the WSBK paddock for another year after announcing his retirement from top-flight motorcycle racing at the end of 2021.

It also means the 34-year-old will continue his association with Ducati, the manufacturer he has raced with in WSBK since 2014 – first with the factory team before later moving to satellite team GoEleven for make way for Rinaldi last year.

Although Davies was unable to secure Ducati a first riders’ title since Carlos Checa in 2011, the partnership was otherwise successful, yielding 28 race wins and three championship runner-up finishes.

“I am absolutely thrilled to continue being part of the racing world and especially with the Aruba.it – ​​Ducati family, with whom I have spent the best years of my racing career,” said Davies.

“It will be an interesting prospect to see the action from ‘the other side of the fence’!” I believe that with my seven years of experience as an official Ducati rider and my knowledge of Ducati V2 and V4 motorcycles, I am well equipped to contribute to the future success of the team.

“We have great riders for the 2022 SBK/WSS campaigns and I will give everything I can to maximize their potential. I want to thank Stefano Cecconi, Feel Racing and Ducati for this opportunity and I can’t wait to get started!

Ducati heads into 2022 with a refreshed rider line-up, with Bautista returning to the team after a two-year absence to replace BMW-linked Scott Redding.

The Italian manufacturer is stepping up its efforts to claim the WSBK title this year after finishing 2021 behind Japanese rival Yamaha in the standings.

“We are happy to be able to count on Chaz again, but in a new role both for him and for our team,” said Stefano Cecconi, Ducati Team Principal. “His experience will certainly be of great help to our riders, allowing them to express their full potential.

“His contribution to the Supersport project will also be fundamental for Nicolo Bulega and for the team, as the Panigale V2 has the DNA of the twin-cylinder Superbikes on which Chaz has obtained exceptional results in recent years”.