"Hopefully we can come up with some improvements for the season finale next weekend, as I'd really like to end my time at Kawasaki with a good result," he added.

Competition manager Michael Bartholemy insists that Kawasaki has a 'clear idea' regarding the cause of the traction problems, although a solution won't be seen until 2009.

"This wasn't the result we were looking for this weekend, but it is still a step forward compared to Phillip Island," began Bartholemy. "We know that with better rear traction both riders would be a lot closer to the front of the race, and we have made improvements in this area, but there is clearly still more work to do.

"The important thing is that our engineers have a clear idea of the causes, so I'm confident that a solution will be found. But, with only one race left this season, it may be that, realistically, we won't see the benefits of the work done this season until Kawasaki roll out the all-new 2009 bike in February.

"In the meantime, I hope that we can go out on a high with two good results from John and Anthony next weekend in Valencia. They both deserve it after all their hard work this year," he concluded

The Valencia season finale takes place this weekend.