Britain's Chaz Davies wins World Supersport title

After performing well, but failing to win a race in 2010, the Yamaha ParkinGO rider dominated the 2011 season, winning five races throughout the year.

"I have worked for this during 15 years. It's an incredible day," Davies said afterward.
"I am world champion even though I still have to think about it twice to believe it. Giuliano Rovelli offered me a chance and I have been able to pay him back, making our dream come true. We have won thanks to the work of the whole team that gave always 110%. I would like to thank Luca Scassa, he has been a great teammate. Today he has protected me for the most of the race risking not the victory. It has been an incredible season that will remain in my mind forever…".

The Brit's season started badly at Phillip Island when he dropped from a podium position to DNF with tyre problems in a race won by his team mate Luca Scassa. At the following round held at Donington, Davies bounced back to finish second, again behind his teammate. At Assen, Davies recorded his first World Supersport victory, backing up three weeks later to also win at Monza. At Misano, Davies started well, but dropped away to finish sixth. At the following Supersport round at Aragon, a fall from Broc Parkes (Motocard.com Kawasaki) late in the race allowed the Yamaha ParkinGO rider to record a narrow victory over Sam Lowes (Parkalgar Honda). Davies recorded a third place at the next round at Brno, before stepping up to the top of the rostrum twice at Silverstone and the Nurburgring. Davies was set to secure the championship at Imola, but an engine blow-up meant the celebrations had to be put on hold for a round. Sixth at Magny-Cours, the penultimate round of the 2011 season, was enough to give the 24-year-old Brit the world championship title.

The Yamaha ParkinGO team's owner, Giuliano Rovelli, congratulated Davies on the championship, and Luca Scassa on the Magny-Cours race win.
"Thanks to all the team, Yamaha, my workers at ParkinGO and Oasi Handling working hard at home, allowing my company to have a great success! With the right mentality, professionalism, step by step and having the feet on the floor you can get everything! Thanks to Luca Scassa for another amazing victory!! And now Chaz Davies…the rider that most deserves this championship title, a golden boy and a great friend, The World Champion!!!"

images: Graeme Brown/2SNAP and worldsbk.com