Chaz Davies re-ignited his title bid after storming to a crushing World Superbikes win at Imola.

The Knighton-born flier took his third win of the season and 12th of his career having shattered the lap record on the Italian track in qualifying.

Davies won by 3.4 secs after easing up in the final laps of the 18-lap race having seen title pacesetter make a mistake trying to keep up with the pace being set by the Ducati.

The 29-year-old’s victory cut his deficit to brother-in-law Rea by 40 points and he will be aiming to give his team another victory in Sunday’s second race.

It was also his third win in the last five races having taken a double victory at Aragon in Spain last month before Rea responded with two wins in Holland last time out.

Ulsterman Rea held off the challenge from bitter Kawasaki team-mate Tom Sykes to take second from the 2013 champ.

Sykes is now 23 points behind Davies in third spot in the championship standings.

Davies’ pole, after his record breaking lap, was the second of his World Superbikes career.