Jerez WSBK: Davies takes third straight win in Race 1

Davies started seventh but was up to fourth already after Turn 1 and then passed Alex Lowes before the end of the opening lap.

Only the two Kawasakis were ahead of him at that point, in the order of Tom Sykes and Jonathan Rea as the former recovered from being passed by the latter off the line.

Sykes could not pull away and Rea made another move on Lap 2, only to drop behind not only Sykes but also Davies shortly afterwards.

Davies took the lead three laps later and gradually built a safe gap.

He eventually won by three seconds with Sykes and Rea completing the podium, the former closing the gap to 44 points.

The double podium finish also secured Kawasaki's second consecutive Manufacturer title.

Nicky Hayden was up to fourth early in the race but came under pressure from fellow Honda rider Michael van der Mark, eventually staying just ahead of him.

Van der Mark, similarly to Sylvain Guintoli and Leon Camier, passed Jordi Torres during the race, the Spaniard dropping from fifth to eighth.

He was followed by fellow BMW riders Markus Reiterberger and Joshua Brookes.

Ducati duo Davide Giugliano and Xavi Fores both retired at Turn 1 on Lap 2, while Lowes crashed next time around from fourth.

Race 1 report