Shinichi Itoh suffered an embarrassing end to his race debut for Ducati Marlboro when the Japanese, replacing the injured
Loris Capirossi, was black flagged.
Itoh, who had qualified 15th, finished the first lap in 14th - but was soon signalled to undertake a pitlane ride-through penalty after jumping the start. However, Itoh failed to pull in, despite pit board signals from the team telling him to do so, and was eventually shown the black flag and excluded.
"I did not think I jumped the start," stated Itoh. "And when I saw the black flag I pulled in. I'm unhappy about it but there is nothing I can do. The bike and tyres were OK, and I felt very comfortable on the bike: I am so disappointed that I couldn't complete the race. I would like to thank all the guys that have helped me - the team and the sponsors - for this fantastic opportunity."
It is not yet known if Capirossi will be fit to return for the Valencia season-finale on November 6, in which case Itoh - or perhaps another rider - could be called up to ride alongside Carlos Checa.
