Chaz Davies is relishing World Superbikes return to Europe as he bids to step-up his title challenge in Spain.

The Powys-born flier was given a confidence boost with third place in the second race at the last round in Thailand earlier this month.

Davies’ battling display against the Kawasaki duo of Jonathan Rea and Tom Sykes was Ducati’s first podium on Thai soil.

And it leaves him fourth in the standings – 40 points behind reigning champ Rea – ahead of this weekend’s two races at Aragon in Spain.

The 29-year-old rom Knighton said: “I’m happy with the progress we made in Thailand.

“Thanks to the team, we solved a couple issues and I could fight at the top again, but we missed a little something to try to go for the win.

“We still need to improve on the engine side, but this track was probably the most difficult both for me and the Panigale R and still I left it with a smile on my face.

“This podium gives me a lot of confidence ahead of the next races.”