The extension of Sete Gibernau’s relationship with the Telefonica MoviStar Honda team for an additional two years, announced last week, gives Honda a top rider to combat Valentino Rossi in the event Rossi rides for another brand beginning next year. Yes, Rossi’s contract with Honda expires at the end of this season, and, despite extensive negotiations between the two parties, Rossi and Honda have not come to an agreement for next season.
Indeed, Rossi is threatening to defect to Ducati or Yamaha, perhaps, as a ploy to gain bargaining leverage with Honda. You never know, however, because both Ducati and Yamaha would undoubtedly love to have Rossi on their bikes. Rossi may see a new bike as a new challenge, as well.
In any event, Honda is poised to battle Rossi with its other stars, including Gibernau and Max Biaggi, in the event it loses one of the sport’s all-time greats to a competitor.
