Sete getting factory Honda support?

Solo Moto is reporting that as a reward for his Spanish Grand Prix victory, Sete Gibernau could be receiving full factory Honda support for the remainder of the season.

HRC, still reeling from Valentino Rossi's debut Yamaha victory at Welkom, are said to have offered Gibernau the increased support - similar to the level received by factory Repsol riders Nicky Hayden and Alex Barros - providing he won the Spanish Grand Prix.

The Telefonica Honda rider duly took victory in the wet event after a tense battle with fellow RCV rider Max Biaggi, and as such is reported to have access to the latest HRC machinery - and may even have tested new parts following the GP.

Sete sat out the first day of testing (on the Monday) as he 'preferred to rest' and was instead given an extra day on Wednesday, when team-mate Colin Edwards - and others - had already finished. Insert conspiracy theory here.

However, why Honda would select Gibernau over Biaggi for preferential treatment at such an early stage in the season is not clear - Gibernau currently leads the world championship standings after two rounds, but the Roman is just one point behind (following his brace of second places) and comprehensively beat the Catalan at Welkom.