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A fierce Valentino Rossi rival has spoken on how one incident dented his belief in MotoGP
Sete Gibernau expressed that the clash with Valentino Rossi at the 2005 MotoGP Spanish Grand Prix, where Rossi escaped without penalty, was the moment he began losing faith in the sport. The Gibernau vs. Rossi rivalry was one of MotoGP’s most iconic, involving fierce battles in the early to mid-2000s. The 2005 Spanish Grand Prix at Jerez saw a notable skirmish between the two riders in a thrilling duel culminating in a last-corner contact that forced Gibernau off the circuit. Gibernau’s frustration over the lack of punishment for Rossi’s actions caused him to question the integrity of the sport. He criticized the aggressive legacy he believes Rossi’s actions left for younger riders, emphasizing that bravery in MotoGP should not be defined by hitting opponents. Gibernau decided to retire and leave racing prematurely, feeling disillusioned with the direction the sport was heading in.
