Capirossi thankful towards Ducati

The Italian veteran finished today's season-ending race at Valencia in fifth place and will now move to the Rizla Suzuki team after five years at Ducati.

"I felt emotional when I came into the pits after my last race for Ducati," he said. "Saying goodbye is always very difficult. We've had a lot of good times together and although this year has been difficult, I've won a race and scored three more podiums.

"I wish to thank all my team, all the Ducati people and all the Ducati fans who have supported me."

Speaking about the race at the Ricardo Tormo circuit, Capirossi said: "I think we worked very well this weekend and today the bike was working not so bad. I had some difficulties with the tyres because my style, which uses a lot of lean angle, works the tyres very hard.

"I made a decent race, not bad and not good. I had a good duel with Nicky [Hayden] but that lost me contact with Marco [Melandri].

"Anyway, this season is over and now it's time to think of the future."

CEO of Ducati Corse Claudio Domenicali was grateful for the work Capirossi has done in his time at the Bologna-based team, which has helped them win this year's manufacturers title and the riders' title with Australian Casey Stoner.

"We cannot thank Capirossi enough, because this year's results have a lot to do with the work he's done with us over the past five seasons," said Domenicali.