Sete 'back to his best' and closing on Rossi.

Sete Gibernau will go down in history as the first ever winner of the Qatar Grand Prix after a drama race ended with not only a Telefonica Honda one-two - but more importantly with Gibernau just 14-points behind world championship leader Valentino Rossi.

Gibernau fulfilled his part of the 'deal' by taking the lead from pole sitter Carlos Checa at the start of lap two, then controlling charging team-mate Colin Edwards to win by 1.315secs.

Meanwhile, the destiny of the championship was called into question after Rossi ran wide on lap 6 of 22 - and was thrown down the road to record his second DNF of the season, reducing his championship lead from a commanding 39 to just 14, with 75-points still available from the remaining three rounds.

"When is a win ever easy?" asked an exhausted Sete. "Sometimes it's hard just to finish sixth like in Japan two weeks ago. This was difficult and the team did a great job. They gave me a great bike and I really enjoyed riding it here today. I've got the best team and factory in the business behind me and it showed here today.

"We've taken a big step forward with the best possible result of a high-pressure weekend, "added the Spaniard, who wasn't aware of Rossi's accident until the last lap. "Once again my team knew how to manage it and I am delighted.

"I'm happy for the 25 points and for the great race but I don't want to get carried away. We are back at our best and that is important. The advantage has been reduced but I'm looking at the next round in Malaysia as just another race."

Edwards, who suffered from a tenth placed starting position, completed a dream day for Fausto Gresini's team with his second ever MotoGP podium.

"After the first three laps Sete was away and gone," he admitted. "I got past Carlos but that was as much as I could manage. That was an awesome race and it's great for Sete to get maximum points. As far as any team efforts go - this is as good as it gets."

Indeed it was, and Gresini couldn't hide his delight at being back in real championship contention, and taking his team's first ever MotoGP one-two.

"It was a fantastic day for the Telef?nica MoviStar team, a really important first and second place at this crucial time of the season," he beamed. "Now the championship is wide open and we have to enjoy this moment, although it is still very tough.

"Sete had a fantastic race and the victory will give him a lot of confidence. I am also happy for Colin because he has found a good feeling with the bike and the results he deserves are starting to come," added the Italian.