Chaz Davies returns from his summer break in Portugal this weekend hoping it will be with a bang and not a whimper.

The Powys-born rider bagged his first win of the season in the final race before the break in California.

But Davies knows the Portimao track has not been one of his best in recent years and he haste to win there.

The 32-year-old said: “After the summer break and about two months after my win, I know it’s going to be a tough race here at Portimão.

“But the gains we made at Laguna Seca and the work we did in the test have really put a bit of a spring in my step.

“I feel like the bike is now a lot different to the one I’ve been racing this season and I’m looking forward to the race because I feel our pace is quite decent.

“Going on past results, for me this track is not the easiest one to get a win at, but I’m feeling optimistic because the Panigale V4 R is going better around here than the twin ever did.

“I’m feeling confident, even though Portimão is not an easy track and the bumps and undulations throw up a lot of different challenges.”

Davies heads into the final four rounds of the season lying seventh in the riders’ standings on 184 points.

The aruba.it Racing rider tested on the Autodromo do Algarve circuit near Portimão where in eleven races his best result is second place in 2017 and two thirds in 2014 and 2015.

Chaz Davies
Bike: Ducati Panigale V4 R
Race Number: 7
SBK Races: 201
First SBK Race: 2012 Imola
Wins: 30
First Win: 2012 Nürburgring
Pole Positions: 7
First Pole Position: 2015 Laguna Seca
Fastest Laps: 31
World Titles: 1 (2011 Supersport)