Twenty years after one of the most intense rivalries of the modern MotoGP era, Sete Gibernau has publicly revisited his duel with Valentino Rossi. In the Gypsy Tales podcast, the former Spanish runner-up gave a rare, direct, and sometimes brutal account of a period that profoundly marked his career… and, according to him, permanently influenced the culture of MotoGP.
Gibernau was the main rival of Rossi between 2003 and 2005, alongside Max Biaggi et Loris CapirossiHe finished as runner-up in the world championship in 2003 and 2004, winning eight Grand Prix, before prematurely leaving the competition.
« We faced each other from 2003 to 2006, but mainly until 2005. In 2006, a little less, because I got injured.. »
The turning point, according to Gibernau, remains the 2005 Jerez Grand Prixthe first race of the season, and the incident that occurred in the final corner. Yes, He hit me. on the last turn. I found myself off the track »
Despite the collision, Rossi is essential, Gibernau finishes second. Yes, but he received no punishment. It was at that moment that I started to lose confidence in this sport. »
For GibernauThis episode is not an isolated incident, but a symbol of a broader shift. It's always been like that. In 2003, Vale and I. In 2004, Vale and I. And again in 2005. »
« I didn't understand why… it was not a contact sportThings happened within the league, internally, and I finally cracked.I started to lose my illusions about the race. »
Sete Gibernau: " From a guy like Valentino Rossi, a superstar, why accept that? He didn't have to do it. »
The Spanish driver believes that the lack of sanctions sent a dangerous message to the paddock. From a guy like Valentino, a superstar, why accept that? I think this was a mistakeHe didn't need to do it. »
« The other pilots saw this and thought: This is how it should be doneAnd then Marc does it to another, and another to yet another. and we end up killing ourselves in the raceThat's already dangerous. »
End of 2005, Gibernau sign at Ducati with a clear objective. I gathered the whole team and said, “I came here to win the first race and the championship.” "The preseason is promising. At Jerez in 2006, he secured pole position." We dominated them all. »
But everything collapsed in the first round. A mechanic had forgotten to tighten a bolt on the gearbox. I had an accident and I had to give up.. That day, I mentally retired from racing »
The Spaniard then describes a profound disillusionment. I felt like I was fighting against everyone.I expected the championship to be more neutral.. If someone makes a mistake, they should be told. For me, it's not a contact sport. ».
He firmly rejects the idea of “courage” associated with contact on the track. Courage isn't about crashing into another pilotIf that's what you want to do, go take up boxing. »
And he adds: “ If I were a father watching television, I wouldn't want my son to participate in a championship like this. »
irony of history, Ducati developed a completely new motorcycle in 2006 for 2007. At Motegi, I was about a second and a half faster than everyone else.. » Livio Suppo, Racing Consultant tries to convince him. He told me, “You’re not retiring, are you? We created the motorcycle you wanted.” »
But the decision has already been made. I would only have continued for the money.I said no. He said, “You’re crazy.” And I replied, “Yes, but it’s over.” »
When Casey Stoner wins the 2007 title with this Ducati Sete Gibernau admits it was difficult to watch. Maybe I could have… you never know"But today, the tone is calmer." Do I regret it? No »
« I would have done things differently, but I am incredibly grateful for everything the championship has given me. I am happy, proud, and grateful to all those who ran for and with me. »
And to conclude, almost serenely: I'm happy to say that many people still remember me for those battles against the man they consider one of the three best MotoGP riders in the world. I never thought I could do that. »
A testimony that puts the evolution of aggression into perspective. MotoGPWhile the debate on sanctions remains more heated than ever in 2026, 20 years later, it reignites the question: where does aggressive riding end… and where does unnecessary danger begin? Today's MotoGP may owe some of its spectacular aggression to him, but at what cost?
