No reward for Van den Goorbergh's efforts.

Proton Team KR rider Jurgen van den Goorbergh retired from today's Rio GP, last race of the 2001 GP season, after rare mechanical trouble struck on the first lap of a race that was stopped just three laps later when it started to rain.

Because he was not running at the time, the Dutchman was not eligible for the restart, leaving him angry and disappointed after a weekend that had promised a lot for his last race with the team.

"You could say that was disappointing. Or even more than disappointing," said Jurgen. "I came here to race, and I believe I did a good job to make it through to race day. This morning I was fastest, which shows I was capable of a good result. Then in the race something broke. It's a shame to finish the season this way - the bike has been quite reliable all year. Until this important day."

It was particularly disappointing because it had been something of a struggle to make the race. Ruled out of the previous round after suffering concussion in a practice tumble, he was still suffering a week before the Rio GP, and not sure whether he would be fit enough to start.

He was given medical clearance just in time to fly to Brazil, but even during practice was having trouble concentrating. Day by day he got better, however, and by race day he was feeling fit, and confident of finishing the season with a good result.

"The bike ran all weekend with no problems. Then we got to the race, and it had a problem These things always seem to come at the wrong time - but that's the way it goes sometimes," said Team Owner Kenny Roberts.