Capirossi hurt by Ducati's manners

"The thing that hurt me, as a man, is that no one told me anything beforehand," the Italian told Motosprint of the deal that was announced at the US GP. "I was in the pits, watching the last part of a race that for me ended as soon as it had started.

"A journalist comes over with a sheet in his hand that read 'Ducati announces that Stoner and Melandri will be their drivers for the next two seasons.' It was like being stabbed twice.

"I knew about the option on Melandri. It was written everywhere. But Livio Suppo talked to me about it only in America, without adding anything else."

He added: "I chose Ducati when the bike didn't yet exist, when it was just on paper. I took up the Bridgestone challenge when it wasn't yet competitive. If the bike and the tyres are winning now, then it's also thanks to me for putting them on the right track.

"(The job has been) paid handsomely, but there must be some gratitude. I'm a romantic, I place respect ahead. Things must be done methodically, with some elegance."

The veteran rider has been offered a Ducati ride next year, with the Italian squad saying they would field a third bike for him.

But Capirossi has insisted that his position would not be the same as Stoner or Melandri.

"In the end it's not really a third bike," he added. "I would have to race with Team Pramac d'Antin, but (Pramac owner) Paolo Campinoti was totally oblivious about this... And I wouldn't have my race engineer anymore."

Capirossi said Kawasaki is interested in him, and he plans to give Ducati an answer about his future by the next race in Brno.

The Italian, however, has ruled out retiring from the sport.

"No. I'm absolutely not quitting," he added. "And even if I quit I wouldn't stay as marketing testimonial. They haven't been honest with me the way I was with them.

"Kawasaki want me too. I'm taking the time to give Ducati an answer by Brno."