Suzuki disappointed for Akiyoshi

In only his third MotoGP start, test rider Akiyoshi moved from 13th on the grid to fourth on the opening lap at Motegi. He then ran comfortably in the top five until losing places by staying out too long on wet tyres. But he was still on course for seventh place when his Suzuki stopped with four laps remaining.

Denning said Akiyoshi should take comfort from having out-performed regular Suzuki riders John Hopkins and Chris Vermeulen.

"I feel particularly bad for Akiyoshi-san. He did really well all weekend and looked set for a good finish," he said.

"He made a great effort here, turned a few heads and deserved a better result - he was faster than Chris and John today and can be proud of his efforts."

Akiyoshi said he was disappointed at the way his race had ended.

"I was having a good race and really enjoying myself," said Akiyoshi.

"The bike and the tyres were working well and I thought I was going to get a good finish. But something happened to my bike and I had to stop. I am really disappointed because I would like to have given Suzuki a good result as a thank you for this weekend."

Hopkins and Vermeulen could only finish 10th and 11th. Both struggled for speed throughout the race, and Vermeulen lost 40 seconds at the start when his bike cut out on the grid.

"Chris and John both had a number of issues; most notably Chris with his bike stopping on the start-line and neither of the guys had a good feeling in either the wet or dry conditions," Denning said.

"We've had a great season so far, but this weekend is a clear demonstration that you can't assume anything and we will have to work extremely hard between now and Phillip Island to make sure we are back on the pace."