De Puniet rues excessive caution

After qualifying seventh, the Kawasaki rider had predicted he would achieve a career-best result in Shanghai and targeted a sixth place finish.

He held the position for the majority of the race but was overhauled by Loris Capirossi and Chris Vermeulen in the closing stages.

Although he had achieved the team's aim of an eighth place finish, de Puniet was disappointed, especially as he had set the third quickest time in the warm-up.

"The target was to finish eighth and I did but, after a positive weekend and this morning's warm-up, I was expecting to finish in a better position," he said.

"I am satisfied with the race, although I have to say that maybe I was too cautious. I didn't want to risk making any mistakes, which could have ruined my chances.

"I got a good start and kept my position on the leading group for about six laps but, from then on, I couldn't keep up their rhythm. I didn't have any slipstream and that made me lose about three tenths of a second per lap.

"Riding on the safe side, Capirossi and Vermeulen were able to catch and pass me. I tried to give it back to Vermeulen at the last corner, and I almost did, but he was on a better line and I couldn't manage it."