Sete Gibernau returns to MotoGP with new Ducati team

As expected, Sete Gibernau has confirmed he will step out of retirement in 2009 to return to MotoGP action in the new Onde 2000 Ducati team in Valencia tonight.

The 35-year-old, who quit the world championship at the end of 2006, will ride a fifth Ducati GP9 in a team co-managed by Pablo and Gelete Nieto.

Nine-times MotoGP winner Gibernau stated his interest at returning to action earlier this year when he began testing for Ducati in Mugello.

The former Gresini Honda rider, who had one year in Ducati’s factory team in 2006, will test a GP8 machine next week at Valencia. He is expected to get his first ride on Ducati GP9 in Jerez at the end of November.

The Onde 2000 team has had only one season in the 125GP series before moving to the MotoGP ranks.

Gibernau said: “I am really happy to be back in MotoGP and I’m looking forward to being competitive again. I believe I will comeback and be able to fight at the front again. It is going to be a tough challenge, but one I am really looking forward to. It is exciting to be part of this new project and I’m sure we will be capable of getting positive results in 2009.”