Gibernau joins Telefonica at Gresini Honda.

Sete Gibernau has announced that he will join sponsor Telefonica in moving from the factory Suzuki squad to the Gresini team for next years' MotoGP World Championship.

The Spaniard will partner existing Gresini star Daijiro Kato on a Honda RC211V, while Telefonica will replace the teams current title sponsor Fortuna - who are strongly rumoured to tie up with the works Yamaha squad for 2003.

The Telefonica-Honda tie-up will be in line with the Spanish telecommunications company's support of Pedrosa and Olive in the 125cc category, although their 250cc team - which currently fields Toni Elias and Fonsi Nieto - is believed to be sticking with factory Aprilia's next year.

It appears unlikely that Fortuna's sponsorship of Gresini's 250cc squad, with Robby Rolfo and Emilio Alzamora, will continue - and it appears likely that the Italian outfit will focus on their increased efforts in the premier class next year. Rolfo has indicated that Fortuna will support him next year whomever he rides for.

Gibernau, who won last years Valencia Grand Prix, is expected to test his new Honda for the first time next week, where soon-to-be Pramac Honda rider Max Biaggi will also get his first taste of RCV power.

Suzuki have yet to announce who will replace Gibernau on what is a coveted factory ride, but Red Bull Yamaha's John Hopkins, who has consistently impressed in his debut MotoGP season, has been linked to the V4 machine...