Ducati’s Chaz Davies did the double at Laguna Seca in 2015, and the Welshman was the fastest man on Friday in California as the paddock returned west to the US. Heading up the second row, the Ducati rider looked to have the pace to challenge at the front, but sadly slid out of contention in the early stages of the Race after taking the lead from KRT rider Tom Sykes.

“We’ve had good pace all weekend and the crash was a bit of a strange one,” explained a disappointed Chaz Davies. “I’m just really disappointed to lose out on the opportunity to at least fight for the win. The engine braking from the rear overloaded the front tyre – it was strange, because I didn’t do anything different to at any other point throughout the weekend. We need to improve to the point where we can afford to take a little bit less risk. To win the Championship you have to win races, and to win races you have to push.”

The crash promoted teammate Giugliano into podium contention behind the Kawasaki duo, before the Italian suffered his ow incident that put paid to any hopes of another podium to follow a great ride at Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli.

“It was an unlucky day for my team, for Ducati and for me,” added Davide Giugliano. “The podium was possible and maybe even the win. I don’t know what happened, it was at the exit of the Corkscrew and I have to talk to my crew. I was unlucky.”

The Aruba.it Racing – Ducati team will be back on track on Sunday at Laguna Seca for Race 2 at 14:30 local time (GMT -7), to push back up to the front.