The Argentinian-Villicum Circuit, is new to WSBK for 2018, acting as a bit of a curve-ball for round 12 of the championship. As if a brand-new track wasn’t trying enough, the weather made for tricky manoeuvring as high winds and a smattering of rain hampered the riders.

Starting in an enviable pole position, Marco Melandri kicked off the weekend by securing his 9^th podium of 2018, finishing in 2^nd place.

Chaz Davies set off from the third row following a troubled superpole where he experienced technical issues. Pushing hard to reach the leading pack he began a series of overtakes that unfortunately resulted in the Welshman losing his balance and finding his way into the gravel; unhurt but unable to continue.

Race two saw a determined Chaz vying to secure some vital points from the penultimate bout, displaying his raw talent by manoeuvring up to third although he was just robbed of a podium as 4^th is where he sat when the flag came down.

After an exhausting weekend Chaz had this to say:

Marco was yet again featured on the podium but only just. It was looking like a lost race for the seasoned Italian when early on he had slipped back to 9^th but with some strategic passes he climbed to 3^rd.