The Aruba.it Racing – Ducati team took the top step of the podium in Race 1 at EuroSpeedway Lausitz (Germany) with Chaz Davies. The Welshman, who earlier in the morning claimed his second pole position of 2016, secured the lead after a strong start and then imposed an unequaled pace to win the race with a ten-second advantage over his closest opponent. Davies thus collected his fifth win of the year after the doubles achieved in Aragon (Spain) and Imola (Italy), while also posting the fastest lap with a 1’37.357.
After taking part in Superpole 1, which he closed with the fastest time, Davide Giugliano secured third row on the grid in eighth position. The Italian rider climbed back up to fourth place at the start and fought tenaciously in the second group despite some braking issues, especially in the early phases of the race with a full fuel tank, to finish in seventh position. The strong pace shown in the second half of the race leaves Giugliano hopeful ahead of tomorrow.
Both riders will be back on track tomorrow at 09:25 for a fifteen-minute warm-up session ahead of Race 2, scheduled for 13:00 (CET).
Chaz Davies (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati #7) 1st
“After such a long break, I was a bit apprehensive before our first race, but today everything worked out perfectly since Superpole. The two tests done during the summer proved to be crucial, because we found once again the feeling I had missed in a few races this year. Thanks to my team and Ducati, we now have a package that I feel ‘mine’ again. I was confident about my pace, but honestly I’m surprised with the gap. It’s not impossible to cut our deficit in the championship, we saw that everyone can make mistakes so we’ll try to win as many races as we can until the end of the season, without worrying too much about the standings.”
Davide Giugliano (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati #34) 7th
“We fought hard to overcome some limitations that slowed us down a bit up to this point, but unfortunately it wasn’t possible for us to do better today. Still, it was important to finish the race and collect as much data as possible to improve our package. We’re still struggling under braking, which hinders corner entry and doesn’t allow me to make the most of my riding skills, but in the second half of the race at least we were able to lap with practically the same pace as Sykes’. Now we will study some ideas to get closer to the front. I’m happy for the team, Chaz raced flawlessly.”
Stefano Cecconi, Aruba S.p.A CEO and Team Principal
“It was important to restart on the right foot ahead of the last stretch of the season. We’ve missed the taste of victory and this result proves how well the whole team worked during the summer-break tests, in which we collected some really positive feedback. We’ll do our best to try to maintain this momentum until the end of the championship.”
