The Movistar Honda MotoGP team were denied what looked to be a great weekend at the inaugural Grand Prix of China. After dominating qualifying with Sete Gibernau starting on pole and Marco Melandri second, rain forced the team to find new settings for the race.

Gibernau found a good compromise set-up and was fastest in the free session, but everything changed for him in the race. Meanwhile, Melandri showed great composure to take his second podium of the season after coming from ninth to take third place. Gibernau was troubled by a lack of grip in his rear tyre from the start and could not keep with the pace at the front of the field, but battled hard to take fourth spot.

SETE GIBERNAU (4th):
"I am very disappointed but we had worked hard to win this race. I was the quickest rider when it was dry and was also fastest in the rain this morning, but it all changed in the race. We went out with a tyre we had not tested before, a little harder but - according to the Michelin staff - it would give us an advantage. On the warm-up lap I knew we had a problem and wanted to change it on the grid but it was the only one available. The bike was vibrating right from the start and I almost fell at the first corner. I was not comfortable at all and just had to finish as high as I could in those circumstances."

MARCO MELANDRI (3rd):
"I am very happy with the result although the rain ruined what had been a great weekend for the team. This morning we had a few problems which did not let us do many laps in the rain. As a result I had a few problems at the start of the race but my confidence grew and I started to climb up from ninth position. I was lapping very strongly at the end and gave everything to take the place on the podium. What's more we have now put ourselves second in the championship and I must thank the team."

FAUSTO GRESINI, Team Manager:
"We met with Michelin this morning to choose the tyres. The technicians advised us to use a harder tyre that they thought would last better and so we decided on that strategy. On the warm-up lap Sete was not happy with the tyre but we thought it would improve after a few laps. I am disappointed because it was not the right choice and until then both Sete and the team had enjoyed a great weekend."

CHINA GP
1. V.Rossi (Ita/Yam) 50'02"463
2. O. Jacque (Fra/Kaw) + 1"7
3. M.Melandri (Ita/Hon) + 16"5
4. S.Gibernau (EsP/Hon) + 18"9
5. M.Biaggi (Ita/Hon) + 19"5

WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
1. V. Rossi 70 points.
2. M.Melandri 45
3. A. Barros 43
4. Max Biaggi 36
5. Sete Gibernau 33