Sete Gibernau will go down in history aꦦs 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 worlꦐd championship leader Valentino Rossi.

Gibernau fulfilled his 🧸part of the 'deal' by taking the lead fr🍬om 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 ra🤡n 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 ev♏er 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 grea𒆙t 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 Fa🐬usto 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 a𓃲s I could manage. That was an awesome race and it's great for Sꦰete 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 da🍰y 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 thi📖s moment, although it is still very tough.

"Sete had a fantastic race and t🍷he 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.