Chaz Davies (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) regained some of his confidence back on Sunday, with a satisfactory ride to third at the flag at Brno. The Welshman missed out on the podium at both Donington races, and could only finish eighth in Race 1 of the Acerbis Czech Round. Another race without making it to Parc Fermé would have represented Davies’ worst podium-less run since 2014 – an astonishing feat for a rider unaccustomed to be battling for lower prizes.

A late night of hard work by the Aruba.it team worked wonders on Sunday, with Davies managing to make a return to the rostrum. “We definitely made a step forward in the race today”, said Davies after the race. “I found the bike more manageable, more rideable. Enough to put me in a position where I was working on my own, not dropping off at the end. Very happy with that – obviously not quite the result that we want, but I’m really happy to be on the podium here”.

Davies was left frustrated with yesterday’s performance, when the Welsh rider was beaten by both works riders of Kawasaki, Yamaha and Aprilia, as well as his teammate. “After a weekend like that, it’s been so tough, it’s really important for the team, morale and everything, to keep plugging away and never give up”, he admits. “We had some late meetings last night. This is my ‘thank you’ to them, because the Aruba Ducati guys worked really hard until late and early this morning”.

The issues still haven’t completely gone away on the Panigale, however, with low grip a particular sticking point: “I don’t feel like we’re knocking big enough chunks in it right now. We need answers. We’re looking hard, but we’re not finding them. That’s what’s going to take us to the next level really, and hopefully give me my bike back”.

Relive the Welshman’s return to the podium at Brno, with all the action available thanks to the WorldSBK VideoPass.