Sete steps onto home podium.

Sete Gibernau made up for his Jerez nightmare, when he crashed on the fourth lap, by giving the Spanish fans a podium finish at his second attempt in 2003.

The Barcelona born star finished third behind Capirossi and Rossi after battling for most of the race with Max Biaggi, who would fall on the penultimate lap whilst trying to take third from the Telefonica Honda rider.

This result was achieved despite the acceleration problems which emerged at Mugello last week.

"First of all I would like to congratulate Ducati and Loris. But above all congratulations to my team," said Sete. "We have made the podium and we have to be more than satisfied because only two great riders like Capirossi and Rossi are ahead of us. I would have liked to have challenged them for the win but it wasn't to be. I would like to thank Honda because they are giving me the support I need to resolve the technical problems which cropped up at Mugello.

"Once again the fans were fantastic. I really feel the warmth and the support of the people here in Spain on every metre of the track and I want to thank them all. I would have liked to have won and dedicated my victory to Juan Carlos Ferrero to return his gesture for me at the Roland Garros final," revealed the #15.

The result moves Gibernau into second in the point standings - albeit a massive 47points behind Rossi.

"It was a nice race, I am happy. Montmel? was an important date for us. The bravery of Sete alongside hard work from the team has ensured that nobody left disappointed," said Team Manager Fausto Gresini. "When you achieve good results it means things are being done in the right way."

The Spaniard's rookie team-mate Ryuichi Kiyonari just missed out on a top ten with 11th, but the Japanese rookie is getting to grips with the RC211V as the season goes on.

"I'm happy enough," he said. "It was better towards the end of the race when the riders in front upped their pace a bit and I got into a good rhythm."

"Ryuichi has also provided us with great satisfaction," stated Gresini. "Eleventh place in a MotoGP race after just one month is a very promising result, but there is no pressure on him - there is time for him to get up there with the best. His mission for the moment is to continue gathering experience."