Sete Gibernau withdraws from Qatar test

Spaniard Sete Gibernau has been ruled out of the night test in Qatar next month after suffering a left shoulder injury in training yesterday (Thursday).

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The Onde 2000 Ducati rider has been forced to withdraw from the test having torn a ligament in his left shoulder that doctors say needs a period of complete rest.

Gibernau, who was recovering from a recent shoulder operation, visited doctors at the Dexeus Institute in Barcelona yesterday. Doctor Ginebreda Marti diagnosed the injury and has recommended “rest, in particular from physical exertion in order to avoid further injury.”

As a result, Gibernau’s satellite Ducati team has opted to withdraw from the Qatar test on March 1, and the nine-times MotoGP winner will return to action in the final winter test session in Qatar on March 28.

The first race kicks off in Qatar on April 12 and will be Gibernau’s first GP since 2006 when he announced his retirement.