http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/moto...es/6128710.stm
Gibernau confirms he had offers before deciding to retire.
The rider line up for next season throws up some areas for discussion, first of all it must be the oldest line up ever! What has happened to all of the up and coming talent? Has anybody, except Guintolli from the junior classes been promoted up, last season saw Pedrosa, Stoner and De Puniet make the step up but this year the teams have chosen experience over youth; Jacques and Barros restored to the premier line up, Hodgson rumoured to be on the verge of a Ducati ride with D'Antin, Mc Williams and McCoy to ride Ilmors and Kawasaki approaching Biaggis people. The prize for winning the 250cc Championship used to be a ride in the Premier class, but this year no such prize. Riders like Lorenzo, Barbera, Dovizioso, Ayama and De Angelis must have the patience of saints to remain stagnant in the 250 class, with all due respect to Guintolli he has hardly set the racing world on fire!
Moto GP is becoming more like F1 as it looks to employ journeyman riders that bring in sponsor big bucks rather than riders with genuine potential. In my opinion the excitement of a new generation of bikes is tempered by a total lack of investment in new talent!
I think that the teams have made a genuine error in their rider line-ups for next season, if they wanted the experienced riders to develop the new machinery then employ them as a test rider role.