Davies takes on Le Mans 24 for Ducati

Former WorldSBK runner up Chaz Davies takes on a new challenge next week as he joins ERC Endurance-Ducati for Le Mans 24 Heures Motos.

The 35-year-old Welshman steps in at the last minute for Lorenzo Zanetti following the Italian’s serous crash during the opening CIV weekend at Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli.

“Lorenzo is still in hospital with a lot of broken bones and we are not sure if he can ride in Spa, but for Le Mans it will be Chaz Davies replacing him,” ERC Endurance-Ducati CEO Uwe Reinhardt confirmed. “Chaz is an old Ducati factory rider so he has a lot of experience and I hope he can go for a podium, this would be very important.

“It’s very bad for Lorenzo because the Pre-Test was very successful, it’s very disappointing to lose him for this race but he’s a great team member and it was good that all the riders were at the same speed. We talk for one hour with Chaz and he said, ‘okay, I want to ride’ and for him this is also a dream.”

Davies will line up alongside Xavi Fores, David Checa and Marc Moser for the first round of 2022’s FIM Endurance World Championship as he adds endurance racing to his eclectic career spanning the 125cc and 250cc World Championships, a WorldSSP title and 32 race victories in WorldSBK.

Now a rider coach for Aruba.it Racing – Ducati Team, Davies follows former MotoGP rider Bradley Smith as the latest high-profile entry for the 45th edition of the 24hr race which takes place from 14-17 April.