Qatar’s new Losail circuit was inaugurated in spectacular fashion today, with Sete Gibernau (Honda) taking the win in a race dramatized by a controversial penalty which placed both Valentino Rossi (Yamaha) and Max Biaggi (Honda) on the back row. Both Rossi’s and Biaggi’s teams were penalized for cleaning their rider’s starting positions.
Out front at the start was Carlos Checa (Yamaha), but Gibernau quickly chased him down and finished the first lap in first position. Meanwhile, Rossi made an incredible start and by the fourth lap was in fifth behind a hard-charging Colin Edwards (Honda).
Unfortunately for Rossi, he seemed unable to hold Edwards’ pace, and crashed out of the race while chasing the former WSB champ.
Edwards continued forward, passing Checa for second position and closing to within striking distance of teammate Gibernau. Although he looked likely to challenge for the lead, Edwards would settle for second and leave the win to Gibernau.
Third went to MotoGP rookie Ruben Xaus (Ducati), who inherited the position after Checa retired with a mechanical problem three laps from the finish.
For more details, results and points, check out the official MotoGP web site.
