Could Chaz Davies be set to join BMW as part of a rider support role?

Recently retired Chaz Davies could be set to stay in the WorldSBK paddock as part of a rider support role with BMW.

09 Dec 2021

Chaz Davies and Pete Jennings, Indonesian WorldSBK, 19 October 2021
© Gold and Goose

WorldSBK legend Chaz Davies could be set to remain in the paddock for 2022 as part of a rider support role with BMW.

After finishing his final WorldSBK races with an eighth and 12th at the all-new Mandalika International Circuit, Davies officially brought an end to his racing career.

The decision to retire came on the eve of round ten in Jerez, a race weekend Davies was unable to take part in due to a crash involving Lucas Mahias the week prior which left the 34 year-old unfit.

But the 99-time race winner and three-time championship runner-up could now be set to remain in WorldSBK as part of BMW’s set-up.

Speculation following the final round had suggested Davies could team-up with good friend Scott Redding as a rider support coach after the ex-MotoGP rider decided to leave Ducati for BMW, however, it seems the move could be one to help out all BMW riders.

Davies himself alluded to wanting to stay in the paddock following the final round in Indonesia, which leads to this being a very plausible move. Davies and BMW spent one season together back in 2013.

Whether Davies does in fact remain in the paddock next year or not, his former Team Manager at GoEleven Ducati, Denis Sacchetti, called the Welshman a ‘legend’ and man that’s left ‘your mark in the hearts of all of us’.

"Having met and been so lucky to work with a rider and, even before that, with a man like Chaz Davies, who has become a World Superbike legend is a great privilege!" said Sacchetti.

"This was not a race for us, but a red carpet. I was excited from the first minute we arrived at Mandalika until today (final race day).

"Not many people can know what it feels like when you change your life, no one can know what Chaz was thinking this weekend, but I think everyone would have been excited looking him in the eyes!

"I don't have much to say, just thank you Chaz for what you have given us and what you have given to this sport, you have left your mark in the hearts of all of us. Enjoy the next goals Chaz!"