Double delight for Chaz Davies in Nurburgring win and BMW move (From Hereford Times)

Double delight for Chaz Davies in Nurburgring win and BMW move

9:00am Thursday 13th September 2012 in Sport

HEREFORDSHIRE’S Chaz Davies admitted he was in a dream world after celebrating his debut World Superbike win – and a big-money team switch in the space of a thrilling few hours at the Nurburgring.

Reigning World Supersport champion Davies has been the coming force throughout the 2012 season and he delivered on his considerable potential with victory in the second race of Sunday afternoon around the iconic German circuit.

Having finished third in the opening race of the day, the win was far from a surprise for the 25-year-old and it proved to be perhaps the most apt transfer celebration of all time.

With the podium champagne still drying on his leathers, it was revealed Davies will ride for the factory-backed BMW Motorrad Motorsport team in 2013, a considerable step up from his low-budget privateer surroundings this term.

But while Davies was able to contemplate a tilt at the title next season – the BMW team are currently lying second in the championship with Davies’ team-mate-to-be Marco Melandri – it was with his present employers that his post-race thoughts turned to on Sunday.

“I could have never imagined a day like this,” said Davies. “It’s not as easy as it looks but at the end we found an incredible feeling. “I want to thank all my team that has given me such a competitive bike.

“I knew already in race one that it was a question of having a good start to get a good result.

“In race two, though, I did it and it allowed me to be in top five straight from the start. From there I knew I could do it.

“When Marco (Melandri) passed Tom (Sykes) I got worried because Tom was slowing down a bit, but then Marco crashed and I knew that I didn’t have to push too much as I was going well already.”

The victory leaves Davies eighth in the overall standings with two rounds remaining. And the county ace had the praise coming at him from all angles post-race from his future and current employers alike.

“We have achieved a dream, taking a bike of a private team to win a World Superbike race,” said current boss Giuliano Rovelli. “As usual Chaz has been great and he deserves everything that is happening to him now and in the future.”

“We are happy that we can welcome Chaz to the BMW Motorrad family,” said new boss Andrea Buzzoni.

“On his way through the ranks, Chaz showed how talented and fast he is. His title win in the Supersport World Championship in 2011 was impressive proof of that.

“And in his current debut season in the World Superbike Championship, it did not take him long to win his first race. “We are convinced that Marco (Melandri) and Chaz will form a premium rider line-up.”

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