Telefónica MoviStar has renewed its sponsorship deal with Sete Gibernau so that the rider can continue contesting the next two seasons in the MotoGP World Championship with Team Telefónica MoviStar Honda.

The new agreement extends three years of support provided by Telefónica MoviStar to the Spanish rider, who was this season incorporated into the team run by Fausto Gresini.

Sete, who currently lies second in the MotoGP World Championship standings, began his career in 1996 and stepped up to the premier 500cc class in 1997. In 2001, Gibernau picked up his first Grand Prix victory riding in the colours of Telefónica MoviStar.

After signing the contract extension with his sponsors, Sete commented: “At this point of the season there is always a lot of speculation about the movement of riders and factories. In order to quash any rumours and to leave myself free to concentrate on the remaining races of the current season, I was keen to confirm my future with Telefónica MoviStar and Honda. I think I am with the best sponsor and the best factory and with them I will be in a position to fight for the World Championship title for the next two seasons. I am very satisfied and once again I would like to thank them for their support and for giving me the opportunity to fight for the top positions this season. I would also like to thank Fausto Gresini, the team owner, for the passion and belief he has always given to this project”.

Meanwhile, José Antonio Lombardía, Marketing Director for Telefónica Móviles, outlined their reasoning behind the extension by declaring: “Sete is doing fantastically well. His form has been above our expectations and I think he has done more than enough to earn our continued confidence. Telefónica MoviStar have a firm belief in this sponsorship, which started three years ago and is bearing great fruit, and I am sure it will continue to grow with even more satisfaction.”

Team Manager, Fausto Gresini, is also very satisfied to have the Spanish rider on board for another two seasons with the support of Telefónica MoviStar. Together, the aim is to win the World Championship, just as they did in 2001 in the 250cc class. “I am very happy with the agreement between Sete and Telefónica MoviStar,” commented Gresini. “We are having a great season together this year and I am sure that, working as we have done up to now, we will continue fighting to win races. The whole team is happy to have Sete with us and, as always, we will do everything we can to help him go from strength to strength.”

With the renewal of this sponsorship, Telefónica MoviStar continues its support for for motorcycle road racing in three categories. In MotoGP, Sete Gibernau is joined by Ryuichi Kiyonari. The top results achieved by the riders in all classes along with the continued support of Telefónica MoviStar has become known as ‘Espíritu MoviStar’ – meaning ‘Movistar Spirit’ – within the motorcycling world.