Gibernau not ruling out racing this year

The Spaniard has tested for Ducati a couple of times this year, in what was his first contact with MotoGP machinery since he retired at the end of 2006.

His speed in the tests, and the problems of Marco Melandri this season, increased speculation that Gibernau could replace the Italian, who has already announced he will ride for Kawasaki in 2009.

And although the Ducati option has not materialised, Gibernau says he could still race this year.

"We have been testing, and I have been enjoying it - which is my main goal right now," Gibernau told autosport.com at Valencia. "I wanted to enjoy racing again and riding a bike - and after that when I started to go fast I impressed myself!

"I am open to whatever, but first of all I want to have fun. But after having fun and getting competitive, I have to have my way to come back. It doesn't mean it is the correct way, but it has to be my way. And if it does happen my way then maybe I will come back."

When asked if he could race again this year, he said: "There is still a chance, maybe, but you never know. Like I said, I want to enjoy every day, whatever happens is great and I am open to whatever happens."

He added: "There are some other options, so we will just have to see what happens right now. Many things can happen and hopefully it will come right for me.

"Right now, it is a little bit on my side. But it is a matter of having things together, so whatever Ducati needs from me I have to be able to give them. And if what I need they can give me, then we can get together and that will be great."