Melandri: tyre issue cost me a podium

While most of the Bridgestone runners enjoyed better tyre longevity than the Michelin teams during the race, Melandri began lapping three to five seconds off the pace in the final quarter of the GP after losing grip from his rear Bridgestone.

"Today we were in good shape to finish on the podium," he said. "After a good start from the fourth row I was able to battle virtually for the whole race in the top five. I had a good pace and the bike felt really good.

"I could have fought for second but unfortunately I had a problem with the rear tyre that we didn't expect and it slowed me a lot. I tried to finish the race as best as I could."

Melandri, who won at Phillip Island last year, eventually fell to 10th position. His problems denied him a chance to close on the Suzuki riders in the battle for fourth in the standings and allowed Loris Capirossi to close to within four points of him.

"I'm disappointed with tenth place because we had the potential for a much better result at a circuit I love and where I have already won in all three classes, as well as lifting the 250 title here," said Melandri.

Toni Elias only managed 15th place on the second Gresini Honda having been off the pace all weekend.

"It has been a difficult weekend and today I suffered from a few different problems that prevented me from riding as I can," he said.

"I had problems with the front tyre from the start, then at the halfway stage we developed a problem with the electronics and I just tried to finish the race.

"I want to put this behind me now and just think about Malaysia. Sepang is one of my favourite circuits so hopefully we can have a much better result there."