Shropshire border motorbike ace Chaz Davies is hoping to get his chance at the top level after becoming World Supersport Champion.

Davies, from Presteigne, could now get a ride in World Super Bikes next season after his impressive performances this year.

The Yamaha ParkinGO ace had a poor start to the season when a tyre problem forced him out of the opening race in Phillips Island, Australia.

But back on home soil, he managed a second place at Donington Park before picking up wins in Assen, Monza, and Aragon.

He then followed that up with two wins at Silverstone and another at the Nurburgring in Germany.

A retirement with engine problems when he was leading with just four laps to go denied him the chance to secure the title at Imola.

That result left him needing a sixth place finish in the final race at Magny Cours – and he produced an intelligent ride keeping out of trouble to secure the title.

He said: “I have worked for this during 15 years.

It’s incredible. I am world champion even though I still have to think about it twice to believe it.

“We have won thanks to the work of the whole team that gave always 110 per cent.”

He thanked team-mate Luca Scassa who nursed him through the final race at Magny Cours before going on to take the chequered flag himself once Davies’ title was all-but secured.

Davies added: “He has protected me for the most of the race risking not the victory. It has been an incredible season that will remain in my mind forever.”

“I have never once thought about knocking the job on the head even though we have had tough times,” he added.

“That is down to having a strong family that has always believed in me.”

By Linden Adams