Sete Gibernau

Sete Gibernau, grandson of the founder of Bultaco Don Paco Bulto, spent his youth in the midst of bikes. Sete learned to walk and ride almost at the same time as he acquired a sense of confidence growing up amidst the made to measure bikes his granddad constructed.

He begins his riding experience participating in motocross and trial competitions. In 1990 Gibernau discovers the rush of speed and participates in the Gilera Torphy. After having participated in some races of the Spanish and European championship, Sete discovers the World championship in 1996, beginning his career with a private team. Wayne Rainey notices him and half way through the championship he is asked to ride an official Yamaha 250.

Thanks to Wayne Rainey, ex World Champion of 500cc, in 1997 Sete passes to the 500cc category and that year finished 13th in the final classification. In 1998 we find Gibernau on an official Honda two-cylinder 500cc. When Mick Doohan, the reigning world champion, falls victim of a racing accident in 1999 his seat is given to Sete. Sadly this is the end of Mick's racing career. The results of the Spanish rider go beyond all hopes: he conquers four podiums which allows him a ride with the Team Honda Tadayuki Okada. The 2000 season wasn't as happy for Gibernau as the season before and he will finish in fifteenth place.

The result of the 2000 season brings to a different contract for Sete in 2001. He is found riding for Suzuki and wearing the colours of Telefonica MoviStar, and winning his first victory in the 500cc class.

After a second season in Suzuki, riding a GSV R 4T, in 2003 Sete Gibernau becomes a member of the Team lead by Fausto Gresini riding a Honda RC211V. After the tragic accident of Daijiro Kato in Suzuka, first race of the 2003 season, Sete Gibernau decides to dedicate his victory in Welkom to his team-mate.

This is the beginning of a top season for the rider: with a total of 4 victories and 10 podiums, the Spaniard is proclaimed Vice World Champion of MotoGP. Gibernau is a favourite for the fight to win the 2004 Championship and he takes on the season with all his strength and determination, fighting for the victory until the penultimate race. After a season of demonstrating to be the best of the Honda riders, and the only rider to keep a close tab on Valentino Rossi, Gibernau reconfirms himself as Vice World Champion with 10 podiums out of 16 races, including 4 victories.

Being Vice World champion twice has enabled Sete's experience and maturity as a rider to develop, and this will enable him to take on the 2005 challenge aiming to conquer the title in the Top of all classes.

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