Chaz Davies called time on an impressive and long-standing WorldSBK career with a final race in Indonesia.

As the brand new track bid farewell to the old guard - with Tom Sykes and Leon Haslam also potentially making their final appearances in the Superbike paddock last weekend too - Davies enjoyed a battle to eighth in the dry race one. A far cry from the 99 podiums and 32 wins the Welshman has racked up during his 268 starts in the top class, alongside his 2011 WorldSSP title.

“It’s good to race today here in Mandalika,” Davies said of his final day in the WorldSBK Championship. “The first race I was quite happy with, I felt okay on the bike, I was quite fast especially on the beginning of the race. I was catching the front group then when the track dried I lost a bit, but I was happy with P8.

“The second race, in the rain here is really high grip, I felt a bit strange during the race to be honest. I was really motivated to try to finish well, but after the delay I didn’t feel particularly normal, maybe it’s to be expected. I tried to tell myself a few times: ‘Just enjoy it’, but anyway it’s like this. Definitively the first race is the highlight of the weekend.”

Davies has endured a difficult season since leaving the Ducati factory team. Completing his final year 13th in the standings compared to third in 2020, having been no lower than sixth since his Superbike debut - where he placed ninth - and runner up on three separate occasions.

The future is unclear for the number 7. While he has touted an interest in test riding, he is adamant of remaining inside the sport he loves in some form but for now, 13 years inside the WorldSBK championship has come to a close.

“Just thanks to everybody for the support,” he continued. “To the guys, to the Team Go Eleven for supporting me so much this year, bringing me in like a family. It has been a difficult season, but I really enjoy the time in the garage and myself in general.

“Now I take the next step in life, which is to walk away from racing motorcycles. It has been a great career and looking back it means satisfaction. I wish the maximum respect to all my competitors, congratulations to Toprak for the Championship, he did such an amazing job this season, and to Yamaha also. I hope to be back here in future, but obviously not on the bike! ”
“Having met and have been so lucky to work with a rider and, even before that, with a man like Chaz Davies, who has become a World Superbike legend is a great privilege!” Denis Sacchetti, Go Eleven Team Manager added.

“This was not a race for us, but a red carpet. I was excited from the first minute we arrived here at Mandalika until today. Not many people can know what it feels like when you change your life, no one can know what Chaz was thinking today, but I think everyone would have been excited looking him in the eyes!

“I don’t have much to say, just thank you Chaz for what you have given us and what you have given to this sport, you have left your mark in the hearts of all of us. Enjoy the next goals Chaz! ”

Aruba.it Ducati shared the sentiment at the close of Sunday, having worked with Davies for the majority of his Superbike career. “A very strong bond and great feeling with the Aruba.it Racing - Ducati team. Chaz Davies will always have a special place in the hearts of the team and all Ducatisti. Thank you Chaz!”