This past weekend was the final round of the World Superbike Championship at the Circuito Estoril, in Portugal and we were tentatively waiting to see if Scott Redding would be able to clear the gap in the standings between himself and Rea (Kawasaki) to be crowned Superbike World Champion.

This was also Chaz Davies last race as an Aruba.it Ducati Factory and Racing rider. Having been with them for 7 years with 27 race wins, 86 podiums and 3 runner up titles, he certainly has many achievements to be proud of.

“Although I had hoped to continue together in 2021, all good things must come to an end. These 7 -years as a Ducati factory and Aruba.it Racing rider have been unforgettable.” Chaz Davies

The first day of free practice on the Friday went well for Scott Redding, showing dominance throughout and finishing in P1 after continuing to set the fastest lap times, even with worn tires towards the end of the day.

 

 

It wasn’t as successful for Davies who struggled to be as quick and direct, finishing in P10 of the first free practice. He did manage to improve in the afternoon and increase his feeling with the bike R by improving his Chrono by almost a second to close in P7.

"I am satisfied with what we have done today. In the afternoon we tried some solutions but they didn't work as we hoped so we went back to the morning set up. The new circuit? It's a normal situation this season. I could say that this weekend the other riders will also try this kind of experience that has been a constant for me throughout most of the season.” Scott Redding

 

 

Saturday morning had a very dramatic Superpole for Redding, who managed to crash in the first lap. Although dominating all of Free Practice, he crashed in the first lap due to a high side. His team worked miracles and managed to get him back onto the track, but unfortunately not quick enough to cross the finish line before the chequered flag forcing him to start the race from the last position.

“It's a great result and I would like to thank the team for the work we have done in the last two months where we have made great progress. I will be back on track tomorrow with a little less pressure and this could help me to get other important results". Chaz Davies

After a difficult start, Davies made an amazing comeback from Free Practice. His constant progression meant he overtook Rinaldi to move into P5, but he didn’t stop there. His race pace was improving lap by lap, allowing him to close gaps with Gerloff and Rea meaning that he managed to finish in P2 under the flag.

 

 

Redding tried hard to push through from the back recovering eight positions in the first two laps. On lap six however, he was in P11 and unfortunately had to abandon the race due to technical issues. This means that Redding has ended his first season with Aruba.it Ducati in second place, a huge well done to him from FAI!

“In the race, there was a technical problem but starting from the last position it was really difficult to do something important. I want to congratulate Jonathan. It was a great battle, with a lot of respect. I will try again next season. I know I can do it. I never give up" Scott Redding

Starting from P4, Davies took the lead after the first two corners. It was an emotional race for him, as it was the last time racing for his team of seven years, but he did well and had a fantastic race. He secured P1 for the entirety of the race and comfortably came under the chequered flag to have his final victory for Aruba.it Ducati.

Redding pushed hard in the early laps and immediately started chasing the leading group of riders, putting pressure on Rea (Kawasaki) who crashed on lap nine. Halfway through the race, Redding was 2.5 seconds behind the Turkish rider Razgatlioglu but he carried on pushing and with five laps to go, attacked through to take second place.

 

The two boys did so well, taking P1 and P2 on the podium for their final race together. Scott Redding ends the 2020 WorldSBK season in second and Chaz Davies in third, with Ducati finishing second in the manufacturers’ standing, just one point behind Kawasaki.

 

 

It was a day full of emotions, first on the grid then at the Parc Ferme. My boys made me excited and I thank them for all the passion and commitment with which they have worked over the years. A big thank you to the whole Aruba.it Racing - Ducati team for what they have done for me and for what we have spent together. I think this is the best way to say goodbye to the team, a result that the whole team deserves and I am happy to have given them this satisfaction. It was a very nice race, I went on track with great determination and the feeling with the bike was absolutely extraordinary. And I'm happy to have celebrated with the whole team. Emotions that I will never forget".  Chaz Davies