Chaz Davies was happy after consolidating third place in the World Superbikes Championship after a rain-lashed opening race at Magny-Cours.

The 33-year-old finished fourth in France having started ninth on the grid.

Davies made up three spots on his Aruba.it Racing Ducati at the start before forcing his way past Michael van der Mark to take fourth.

The Knighton-born rider – being linked with Kawasaki for 2021 with his current contract ending this season – now has 201 points.

That left him 16 points ahead of Dutch rider van der Mark who is fourth in the standings.

“I am happy with this result,” said Davies. “The feeling with the bike was very good and for this, I am particularly satisfied.

“Maybe I could have pushed harder but for me, it was fundamental not to make mistakes and to take important points to increase the advantage over Van Der Mark and consolidate the third position in the standings”.

Reigning champ Jonathan Rea won the race to extend his lead over Davies’ team-mate Scott Redding at the top of the standings to 65 points.