Gibernau's Sepang return

Sete Gibernau will make his return from injury at the Malaysian GP at Sepang for Marlboro Ducati. Meanwhile British 125GP rider Bradley Smith is almost certain to miss the race due to a hand injury.

Gibernau is returning following surgery to the left collarbone he injured at the Catalan GP in June 2006. He’s now back to full strength for a track which suits the Desmosedici and produced the best result for the team in 2005 with a win for Loris Capirossi and a third for then team-mate Carlos Checa.

Quality bikes for sale: Click here.

MCN and user bike reviews: Click here.

Browse over 2000 product reviews: Click here.

“All of the tests I had to undergo have given positive results and we found the cause of a lack of strength in my left arm,” said Gibernau. “It seems there was a problem with the nerve, but there was no injury and we will resolve it with physiotherapy. I’m going to Malaysia in the best possible frame of mind and I just can’t wait to get back into action!”

Meanwhile British youngster Bradley Smith is likely to be replaced for the Sepang round by a Red Bull MotoGP Academy rider. The 15-year-old Respol Honda star caught his hand underneath his bike as he crashed out of practice for the Brno race.