Arezzo/Borgo Panigale (Italy), Monday 16 March 2015 – The Aruba.it Racing – Ducati Superbike Team is on its way to Thailand for the second round of the 2015 Superbike World Championship, scheduled to take place this weekend at the brand new Chang International Circuit in the Buriram province. Chaz Davies will again be flanked by three-times World Champion Troy Bayliss, substituting once more for injured Davide Giugliano.
The opening round of the 2015 Superbike World Championship concluded three weeks ago at the Australian circuit of Phillip Island. Factory rider Chaz Davies quickly made his presence felt, underlining both his talent and the potential of his Panigale R by scoring two third place finishes and the best lap of race 2, and crossing the line within half a second of the winner in each of the day’s races. Davies thus lies in third position in the championship standings after round 1.
Davies’ teammate Davide Giugliano is continuing to focus on his recovery after suffering fractures of the L1 and L2 vertebrae after an accident in testing at Phillip Island on 16 February. Concentrating on his rehabilitation programme, Giugliano should be ready to return to the ranks for the fifth round of the championship at Imola in May.
The Italian squad, having substituted Davide with three-times World Champion Troy Bayliss at the opening round in Australia, will entrust the Panigale R to the 45-year old Australian once again this weekend in Thailand. Bayliss, despite very little time on track with the new Panigale R, closed race 1 at Phillip Island inside the points zone and is enthusiastic about riding the Ducati again in Thailand, where he hopes to build on the experience he gained in Australia.
The Chang International Circuit officially opened in October 2014. This weekend therefore marks World Superbikes first visit to Thailand, an important market for motorcycle manufacturers, and a country in which Ducati has its own factory, situated in the Rayong province.
Comments ahead of the event:
Chaz Davies (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati Superbike Team #7)
“I had the chance to visit the Chang International Circuit while visiting Ducati Thailand in January this year. It looks like an amazing facility and a great track and I’m always keen to race at new circuits. After the results achieved in Australia, I’m feeling even more motivated and am looking forward to getting back to work this weekend and seeing what we can do.”
Troy Bayliss (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati Superbike Team #21)
“Firstly I’d like to thank the team for giving me another chance to ride the Panigale R. I’m excited to get back on track, and at what is a brand new circuit for everyone, so we’ll all start on a level playing field. I’ve been training hard in recent weeks and am feeling well prepared for the challenge. I can’t wait to get started.”
Circuit Information:
Country: Thailand
Name: Chang International Circuit
Length: 4.554 km
Turns: 12
Race distance: 20 laps / 91.080km
LAP RECORDS: NEW CIRCUIT
2014 RESULTS: NEW CIRCUIT
Rider Information:
Chaz Davies
Bike: Ducati Panigale R
Race number: 7
Age: 28 (Born 10/02/1987 in Knighton, Wales)
Number of SBK races: 76
Number of wins: 4
Number of podiums: 16
Troy Bayliss
Bike: Ducati Panigale R
Race number: 21
Age: 45 (Born 30/03/1969 in Taree, Australia)
Number of SBK races: 154
Number of wins: 52
Number of podiums: 94
Weekend schedule (CET +6):
Friday
10.30 – 11.45 – SBK Timed Practice 1
15.30 – 16.15 – SBK Timed Practice 2
Saturday
09.45 – 10.30 – SBK Timed Practice 3
12.30 – 13.00 – SBK Free Practice
15.00 – 15.15 – Superpole 1
15.25 – 15.40 – Superpole 2
Sunday
10.30 – 10.45 – SBK Warm-up
13.00 – SBK Race 1
16.30 – SBK Race 2
