Nakano only started 15th on the grid, but battled his way through the field to finish ahead of Jorge Lorenzo, a race-winner from earlier this year.
The Japanese rider attributed much of his late-race pace to the team's decision to choose hard Bridgestone tyres for the race.
"I'm happy with seventh place today because it was important for me to get to the finish line, which is why I pushed hard but without taking too many risks," Nakano said.
"Considering that I started the race from fifteenth I had to be very focused to make up positions at the start, taking another couple of riders over the opening laps before catching [Colin] Edwards, although it was difficult to get past him.
"We had gone for a hard tyre with an eye on the later stages of the race and I think we made a good choice. I'm satisfied with this season because over the final few races in particular we've had some good races and despite a couple of ups and downs I'm happy with how it's all gone."
Nakano, who looks likely join Aprilia in World Superbikes in 2009, leaves Gresini after a year with the Italian squad in which he took ninth place in the riders' standings - his best championship finish since his rookie season in 2001.
"I want to thank Team Gresini and my fans for their support and I will go away with great memories of the people I have had the pleasure to work with this season."
Team boss Fausto Gresini praised the work done by Nakano for the squad as they prepare for a 2009 campaign with Alex de Angelis and Toni Elias on board.
Gresini said: "This is the end of what hasn't been an easy season for us but I'm happy with the results today. I want to say a huge 'thank you' to Shinya, who has worked with true dedication with us, and we wish him all the best for his future career."
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