Gibernau: Jerez return feels 'special'

The Hernandez Ducati rider, who won the event at Jerez in 2004, has returned to MotoGP this year after retiring from the sport following a persistent collarbone injury aggravated in the 2006 Portuguese Grand Prix.

"I think since the opportunity to return to MotoGP came to me, of course coming here was really one of the places that I was really hoping to come and it brings me very great memories," he said. "It's very special I think.

"There is not another grand prix like this one, it is very different to all the others.

"To be back in here again is impressive, I got nervous when I came in through the gates and saw everything was ready for a new grand prix and it really is very interesting for me."

Gibernau admitted after two races back - which have so far netted a best result of 13th (in Qatar) - that MotoGP is very different now to the sport he walked away from.

"For sure!" he said. "Everything is different, but it is also difficult to say what is better and what is worse, it's just different.

"We all have to get used to this new situation, the challenge is paying off for me and enjoying every part of it. I am just happy to be here.

"We are slowly but surely making up to the pace and I am improving my physical condition, and I think that these two races have proved to us what we already knew - how hard it is and how competitive the championship is. We have to work very hard to catch up the guys and while this doesn't scare us, we have to be a little bit patient. My shoulder also needs to get a little bit better and hopefully it will happen soon."