Ducati MotoGP tests for Chaz Davies
New factory Ducati World Superbike signing Chaz Davies will also take part in three MotoGP tests a year for the Italian factory.
The 2011 World Supersport champion revealed the deal during an interview with Crash.net, in which he was asked for his thoughts on one day returning to MotoGP.
The Welshman raced privateer machinery in the 125 and 250cc grand prix classes from 2002-2006 before switching to the AMA, but was then called up for three MotoGP starts as a stand-in at Pramac Ducati in 2007 (pictured).
Davies returned to Europe full time in 2010, where he went on to win the WSS crown in his second season before graduating to World Superbike. Davies has so far claimed four WSBK victories, for Aprilia and BMW.
Asked if he still has MotoGP ambitions, the 26-year-old - who has signed a two-year factory Ducati WSBK contract - replied: "Yeah, I think everybody does and I'm no different but before going there I want to succeed at what I'm doing. I don't feel that I need to be there as soon as possible, I'm totally focused on this opportunity I've got with Ducati.
"If a really good MotoGP chance came along it'd be difficult not to consider it because it's the big show. I've been in that paddock before though and you really have to go there in the right environment with the right team and right people because it can be a long season if you don't.
"Hopefully though I can go back there one day. I've already had a little bit of contact with the Ducati in MotoGP a few years ago so I know what it's all about. I've also got three tests a year on the Ducati MotoGP bike written into my contract so we'll see what comes of that.
"That was one thing they agreed to and it'll be interesting to be part of that... I'm just looking forward to giving my feedback on it."
Asked what advice he would like to have given himself at the beginning of his career, Davies gave an insight into life as a 250cc privateer in what was then an open tyre class (although Dunlop supplied all riders).
"I would say that I went into GPs with totally different expectations to what it was and it was far more political than I expected. So I'd like to warn myself about that, and when a chance of a factory ride didn't come in 2004 then maybe I should have left. I really hung on for too long.
"The factory aspect is so important and even more so in those days on the 250s. I remember that Dunlop accidentally gave me the tyre list for a factory rider and I was baffled because it was like a book. I'd never seen so many choices and numbers, but when he saw what he'd given me he quickly snatched it away and gave me my usual list of three fronts and three rears!
"I'd also tell myself that times change and opportunities do come in the end and that I just have to be in the right place at the right time.
"To be honest though, looking back, I wouldn't change a lot because it's been a pretty decent career. Maybe I didn't make a living at the sport as quickly as I'd hoped for but it's been a great experience. It's all character building isn't it?"
