Capirossi was hoping for podium

The Italian had qualified on the second row of the grid, but he retired after just three laps with gear selection problems.

Casey Stoner won the race on the other factory Ducati, and Capirossi believes that he could have gone forward if his bike had lasted the distance.

"Casey and Chris (Vermeulen) were very fast but I believe I could have fought for another podium finish," said Capirossi.

"This weekend had been going very well, and in the warm-up we were faster than on Saturday so I was confident I could have a good race."

However, Capirossi was philosophical considering how disappointing the race was for him.

"After a couple of laps the gearbox stuck in second gear and that was that," he said. "It seems like it was only a tiny little fault, but sometimes things like that happen in racing."

Ducati team boss Livio Suppo admitted that he felt bad for Capirossi, who has had a difficult season so far this year.

"We are very, very, sorry for Loris," he said. "For sure he could have ridden another great race, but he was stopped by a broken gear lever return spring."