At the outset of the season Team Movistar was immediately rated as one of the chief contenders for the 2004 world championship title. Team manager Gresini had re-signed S. Gibernau, one of the best riders of 2003, and C. Edwards, returning to Honda after a period with Aprilia. Team Movistar lived up to expectations excellently, with Gibernau engaging in unforgettable duels with V. Rossi and other world championship racers. With four 4 GP wins under his belt, this Spanish rider took second place in the final standings and, together with his American team-mate, put Telefonica Movistar in second place in the team standings too - ahead of the official Honda Repsol team!

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