Sete: Kato was riding with me.

"Dai-chan rode with me today," were the words of Sete Gibernau after holding off Valentino Rossi for his first MotoGP victory, at the Africa's Grand Prix.

In what was an incredibly emotional moment, Gibernau finally gave the Telefonica Movistar Honda team a reason to smile after the tragic loss of Daijiro Kato, almost exactly one week before.

"I dedicate this victory to Daijiro, it was as if he was riding with me today," said Sete after his fairytale victory. "I would like to thank everyone, from Fausto to the whole team who knew how to find the strength to react after the loss of my team-mate.

"As I said on Saturday (after taking pole), it has fallen on me to be the visible head of a tribute I think is on behalf of everyone - teams, riders and motorcycle fans - in honour of Daijiro," added the Catalan. "I give my thanks for all the support we have received because this has given us the energy to win. I really wanted victory and I have no words to express how I feel."

"I am excited, happy and proud of Sete and the team," admitted Team Manager Fausto Gresini, who arrived Welkom immediately after Kato's funeral. "At a time like this the emotion is so strong that the words just don't come out. Daijiro is with us, we felt him strongly today."

Gibernau's victory was his second ever in the premier GP class, but first in MotoGP. Kato, a 17 times 250cc GP winner, never took his much predicted first MotoGP victory.