Chaz Davies romped to his second World Superbikes win of the season in a race that was cut short in Imola.

The Knighton-born rider was leading by over six seconds having dominated from pole when the race was red flagged.

Aprilia’s Eugene Laverty had crashed out with six laps left with his bike exploding into flames, but the County Antrim-born rider was unhurt.

Davies won from Kawasaki’s reigning two-time champ and title pacesetter Jonathan Rea with Ducati team-mate Marco Melandri third.

It was his third win in a row on the Italian manufacturers home Enzo and Dino Ferrari track.

The 30-year-old said: “It’s been a perfect weekend so far.

“I think this track really suits me and the Panigale R. We’ve made good steps forward under acceleration this year, and it was a big help here with the tight chicanes.

“Also, this layout helps me to take advantage of the strong points of my riding style.

“I kept controlling the gap from Rea, looking after the tyres, and the bike felt really consistent. It was a lonely race, but not an easy one.

“Tomorrow’s going to be different, starting from the back. We need to keep it clean and be patient.

“We can still improve something on the electronics side, but clearly we won’t make any big changes. Thanks to all the ducatisti for their amazing support today!”

Davies will start Sunday’s second race from ninth on the grid under the new regulations as he looks to repeat last year’s double.

He is still third in the standings on 136 points eight points behind Tom Sykes and 79 adrift of Rea who has won seven of the opening nine races.

Davies is the only other rider to have reached the top step of the podium having won the second race at Aragon in Spain.