Gibernau to announce retirement?

Originally Posted by The Basket

I agree with the idea that Gib was a fast geezer but i am surprised that no other team wanted him.

Even Ducati as he went well on the new 800.

Maybe the Giveupnow name has been his enemy.

He turned down a ride at Kawaski because he didn't think the bike would be competetive enough and he'd just be making up the numbers.

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.

Originally Posted by Peter Henry

I think he should step down with his head held high, for he was a rider who for two seasons made arguably the best ever rider...on a bike that was performing well., really fight to retain his title.

Well said Peter... 'Tis true that for a couple of years he was the only man to really match Vale at racing. Hayden may have won the title (and I'm a Hayden fan) but Nicky has done it by "doing the numbers" and Rossi being unfortunate rather than actually really going head to head.

You never know, we may see him in WSB

And Mariner, I have to agree with your summary of "riders for sponsorship" rather than their ability, but like any major sport, MotoGP is also a business.

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Sete was far from being short of offers. In fact 3 teams wanted him for next season. Kawasaki as already mentioned, Ilmor and Sito Pons is rumoured to be putting another team together.

I am afraid I cannot agree with Mariner about the boys in the 250 class being somehow suppressed. The new champ Lorenzo is only just 19 years of age for heavens sake! The riders mentioned are far from old and still have plenty to learn.

The 250cc class next year should be a right old battle with the new 125 champ Alvaro Bautista stepping up and with Jorge, Dovizioso and Aoyama still in the field. Last year's 125 champ Luthi also steps up to the 250's for 2007.

De Angelis although a good rider has only just won his first ever race after about 5'000 starts. A great talent but not a true winner tbh. He himself,(at age 22) still feels he needs more maturity in his riding which he can achieve far easier in the 250's than he can in the Moto GP class.

Anyone choosing to ignore the 250 championship next season is likely to miss out on some superb action as there are about 6 genuine title contenders.

I think with brand new machines, the development input offered from more experienced riders could be vital for the first season of the 800cc class. Rather than people getting a leg up simply as an acknowledgenment of achievements to date, you must view the life of a rider more as a career these days. There is so much at stake that a riders future must be plotted out.

Also as mentioned Moto GP is big business today and rider profile and market appeal are crucial elements that are taken in to consideration. Incidentally the retirement of Sete has now placed a greater expectation on the small shoulders of Dani Pedrosa from the Spanish fans. He is the only real Spaniard that can deliver anything in the top class as I am sure Toni Elias will be his usual inconsistant self in 2007.

I was surprised that he turned down Kawasaki as a factory ride is a factory ride.

[jambo]

I'll be rooting for McCoy and McWilliams on the Ilmors, but then, I love an underdog

Basket...kawasaki could have been a good option as they use Bridgestones which Sete has got used to on the Ducati. But he frankly admitted his heart wasn't in it anymore. He was very gracious and emotional in his press conference and was full of thanks for the opportunities that he had been afforded throughout his career.

He was grateful to have reached heights within his chosen sport that many could only dream of,(2nd in the championship in 2003 and 2004)

I have to admit I had a lump in the throat watching the press conference and Sete did have to take a break as his tears got the better of him. With him at the press conference were his parents, sister and his top Spanish model girlfriend.

End of a lifetime's dream for the grandson of Don Bulto the founder of Bultaco. Good luck to him for whatever he turns to in the future.

Maybe Sete knows his golden chance has gone and take the cash while you can.

My view of next season is that Dani Pedrosa will just steam it if the 800cc Honda is working as it should. The Capirossis and Rossis will be in the way.

Maybe Sete sees that too.

Basket a valid point you make although I think far from Sete's motivation. Yes of course he was able to command a top contract when riding but for him that was never the driving force. Fortunately for him.....similar to Mike Hailwood....he came from a family with money and could have chosen many paths that would be far less dangerous than motorcycle racing.

Motorcycles are in his blood due to his grandad and for him to let go of what must be such a major element of his life could not have been easy. However the very fact that he had lost the "buzz" would be enough to force anyone to stop.

Many will be pleased to learn that Sete has now adopted a more acceptable, shorter hair style to take in to his retirement.

so ... Sete in WSB in '08 anyone ?