Chaz Davies powered to his fifth victory of the season as World Superbikes returned after the summer break in Germany.

The Knighton-born rider triumphed by 1.8secs from reigning two-time champ Jonathan Rea after dominating much of the race at the Lausitzring.

Davies started sixth on the grid but moved into second on the opening lap before taking the lead by cutting up the inside of pole man Tom Sykes on lap two.

The win was the 25th of Ducati rider Davies’ career with Rea second ahead of Kawasaki team-mate Sykes.

The 30-year-old said: “I had to work my socks off for that as there was a lot of pressure, but that’s what makes it all worthwhile.”

Davies won the opening race in Germany last season then in the final three rounds reeled off six straight wins.

Despite the win he is still third in the title standings 110 points behind Rea who leads by 63 points from Sykes.

Davies will start Sunday’s second race from ninth on the grid as per this season’s regulations.