IT has been a memorable first season in the MotoGP 250cc riders' championship for Kinsham-based racer Chaz Davies.

Sixteen-year-old Davies, riding for the Aprilia Germany team, finished 14th in this year's championship, his debut season, and is now looking for improvement when next season's title race begins in April.

"Next season I shall be aiming for a top 12 finish in the championship," said Chaz. "But it will be tough with some good racers coming up from the 125cc championship and some coming down from MotoGP.

"But the first year has been great and I've enjoyed it all. Highlights have been Rio, where I had my first top 10 finish, Motegi, where I finished 11th, and Philip Island in Australia."

Dad Peter, who travelled the 16-race championship circuit with Chaz, also reflected on a successful first season at 250cc level.

"Everyone is pleased with the way it's gone this season," he said. "We might have got up to 12th with a bit more consistency but I think Chaz turned a lot of heads."

Now the aim is to build on this year's success and claim one of the coveted 'factory rides' for the season after.

"Chaz finished 14 of the 16 races and broke down in two," said Peter. "Although he slipped off in Portugal, in the chicane, and in Australia, he still got back on and finished.

"That's what the factory teams are looking for when they hand out the rides - you can't win championships if you don't finish.

"Next year we'll be looking to have the same level of bike with more experienced technicians and aim to get in the top 10 as often as possible.

"It's very tough - and hard to tell how tough from watching on the TV - but everyone's been doing their best to get it as good as we can."

Despite his punishing schedule, former John Beddoes School pupil Chaz still found the time to cater for his academic needs, sitting eight GCSEs, a number of which he completed either side of a race in Muzello in Italy's Tuscany region.

"I didn't expect to pass them all, but I did with Bs and Cs," said Chaz.

Now it's time for 'a bit of a rest' with a little Supermoto or motocross to keep his hand in until the new season starts.