Denning and co-driver Jemma Bellingham did rejoin the rally for the four afternoon stages and restored some pride by recording some of the quickest times as the torrential rain and high winds battered the competitors.

"With Loris, I suppose it was slightly inevitable that one of us was going to crash trying to beat the other, and I think it was even more inevitable that it was going to be me!" said Denning.

"It was quite surprising - considering our lack of experience - that we were able to run so competitively and I think this is a testament to the experience of Jemma and Craig - our co-drivers - that certainly helped us all day long.

"Loris and I were very close to each other early on but I made a mistake and slid off the road so I wasn't able to complete the whole rally - which was a great shame - but thanks to Ian Phillipson of the Swift Sport Cup and the rally organisers I was able to get back out for the afternoon stages and restore a bit of pride, so that made things a bit better.

"Well done to Loris for his podium position, it's a good end to 2008 and I hope we taste some more champagne on two wheels in 2009!" the Englishman concluded.

Capirossi and Denning will now prepare for Rizla Suzuki MotoGP's next winter test at Phillip Island in Australia later this month, when development of the 2009 GSV-R will continue.

Suzuki Swift Sport Cup Tempest Rally:

1. Mark Gamble/Steve Link 1hr 1min 39sec
2. Niki Bjerg/Arly Larsen +4sec
3. Loris Capirossi/Craig Thorley +14sec