"It's a big embarrassment to us as World Cup hosts that we have to settle for second best, " said South African FA chief executive Leslie Sedibe at the time.

BBC: South Africa still undecided on World Cup training base

But two laps later Rossi got his nose back in front for the last time, leaving Biaggi to settle for second - his best finish of the season so far.

BBC: SPORT | Motorsport | Motorbikes | Rossi holds off Biaggi at Mugello