The DNF not only put paid to the 24 year-old British rider's chances of taking a sixth win of the year, but also meant the celebration champagne was put on ice for at least the next seven days. Davies's disappointment was highlighted by the fact that he had dominated the race until then, with more than a 10 second lead on his adversaries.

"I am very disappointed, to say the least," said Davies. "I expected to be leaving Imola on a high note and certainly not like this. Thankfully I worked hard all year and still have a 35 point advantage, so I'll be going to Magny-Cours next week more determined than ever to win."

Despite this DNF, the second of the season after his retirement at Phillip Island, which was also due to a mechanical problem, the former Daytona 200 Miles winner still has a good lead over second-placed Fabien Foret, winner on Sunday. Davies however will be going all out for the win to clinch the title at the penultimate round of the season in France.

"I guess these things can happen in racing" he added, "but today's race was going perfectly and the whole weekend had gone so well that I just didn't expect it."