Gibernau to undergo surgery

Eurosport - Fri, 28 Nov 15:35:00 2008

Returning Ducati rider Sete Gibernau is to have metalwork removed from his collarbone within the next week.

2008 Valencian GP Gibernau - 0

Spaniard Gibernao retired in 2007 but will be back riding for new team Onde 2000 Ducati and, after finishing ninth out of 14 in Jerez testing, will have surgery on a plate inserted after an accident in Catalunya in 2006.

"On Monday, December 1 I'm going to have the plate in my collarbone taken out," the 35-year-old told the MotoGP website.

"The doctors believe that it is better to have it out before I begin racing again. From then I'll start working again. The day after, I will start training once more."

Gibernau never won the MotoGP title despite nine race victories and 30 podium finishes and quit the sport after he was replaced with Casey Stoner for the Ducati Marlboro team.

The veteran decided that two years on the sidelines were too much for him, but is under no allusions as to the magnitude of his task.

"I've had confirmation of just how difficult riding a MotoGP bike is, with all the things that before came naturally to me having to be worked hard at," declared the two-time world championship runner-up.

"It's very demanding, and once again I'll say that I have a lot of respect for all the riders and it's going to be a difficult year. But I knew this from the beginning, and it's a motivation."

Reda Maher / Eurosport

Comment 1 - 10 of 10

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  1. Yet again i look forward to a season of pedrosa being in the lead and then throwing it all away when he is overtaken by anyone. Good rider but only if he is in front

    From coker968, on Mon 1 Dec 6:38PM

  2. Why did it add my message three times?

    From EGK, on Mon 1 Dec 11:18AM

  3. And to add, Melandri made an error of judgement, like Hopkins moving to Kawasaki. A smart man would have chosen a Honda or Yamaha ride over Ducati and Kawasaki. Shame neither of them are that smart!!!! Or attract that much cop with the sponsors!!!!

    From EGK, on Mon 1 Dec 11:15AM

  4. And to add, Melandri made an error of judgement, like Hopkins moving to Kawasaki. A smart man would have chosen a Honda or Yamaha ride over Ducati and Kawasaki. Shame neither of them are that smart!!!! Or attract that much cop with the sponsors!!!!

    From EGK, on Mon 1 Dec 11:15AM

  5. And to add, Melandri made an error of judgement, like Hopkins moving to Kawasaki. A smart man would have chosen a Honda or Yamaha ride over Ducati and Kawasaki. Shame neither of them are that smart!!!! Or attract that much cop with the sponsors!!!!

    From EGK, on Mon 1 Dec 11:14AM

  6. Truth be said, If Honda had piled in the money they have to Pedrosa he'd have been a far greater rival to Rossi and would have given him a lot more to think about. Shame now is, he's older and will no doubt take less chances on track. But, rest assured he will be there or there abouts, and may, if he gets his head struck on it chase a win and battle with Rossi. Sure as hell hope so, cos lets face it, they used to fight and bash and stare each other down. That was great racing, fast, close and full of action, last year the only highlight that showed anywhere near that was Laguna and Stoner spat his dummy out and wanted a disqualification....Gibernau wouldn't have acted that way, he'd have tried harder to stick it to Rossi the next chance he got.....

    From EGK, on Mon 1 Dec 11:12AM

  7. Give him a chance boys he did give vallie the most opposition he ever had with close, to equal machinery.......... welcome back sete.

    From tom, on Sat 29 Nov 11:09PM

  8. sete is a superb racer, he will give his best,really missed seeing his determination on the track, good luck mate.

    From jeff, on Sat 29 Nov 8:03PM

  9. give the guy a chance bozzy he hasnt started yet and already your having a go. yes i dont think he has a prayer neither but at the end of the day he thinks so.
    i think he"s proved he can ride the duke already i would like to see you on it possible change of tune???????

    From l.skaife, on Sat 29 Nov 2:17PM

  10. Here we go !!!, it seems that if you ride a Ducati you have to have an excuse not to go fast !

    From Bozzy, on Fri 28 Nov 5:54PM
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