Veteran Sete Gibernau claimed his second MotoGP win of his career after holding off Valentino Rossi at Phakisa on Sunday. He dedicated his victory to team-mate Daijiro Kato who died last week.
Veteran Sete Gibernau claimed his second MotoGP win of his career after holding off Valentino Rossi at Phakisa on Sunday. He dedicated his victory to team-mate Daijiro Kato who died last week.
Gibernau, who last won a race in 2001, started from pole position. The race got off to a dramatic start when Kenny Robert’ Suzuki dropped oil on three corners on the formation lap, causing a 50-minute delay to the start of the race. As the race started, Colin Edwards lost control of his Aprilia and hit Jeremy McWilliams before turn one, but no one was injured. The accident also forced Nori Haga off the track.
Australian Troy Bayliss, who started in ninth place led for the first 10 laps of the race, with Gibernau, Max Biaggi and Rossi in pursuit. But the Australian made a mistake on lap 10 and Gibernau took over the lead with Biaggi close behind.
World champion Rossi caught Biaggi, and put Gibernau under pressure in the last five laps. He reduced the Spaniard’s lead drastically, but could get past him. Biaggi was third, followed by Bayliss, Alex Barros, Tohru Ukawa, Nicky Hayden, Norick Abe, Carlos Checa and Olivier Jacque.
“I felt Daijiro with me in the race today,” Gibernau said. “This race is a tribute to a person who is gone physically but will be with all of us for the rest of our lives.”
“This was not a normal second place,” said Rossi. “I am pleased for myself and for the team with second, and I think we will all agree that this was also a victory for Daijiro.”
San Marino rider Manuel Poggiali on an Aprilia won the 250cc race and Daniel Pedrosa triumphed in the 125cc race.