Round 1 - Jerez

Rossi crashes out in the first lap after being hit by someone (Toni Elias I think). Gibernau's curses continue as he had to retire because of mechanical failure. The Spaniard, switching to Ducati this year, seemed strong to fight for a win here. Another Spaniard, 250cc champion Dani Pedrosa, made a really good impression in his first Moto GP race, challenging for the win against eventual winner Loris Capirossi in the middle stages. The latter responded well, until Pedrosa gave up to settle for second place. Nicky Hayden completes the podium, followed by Toni Elias and another rookie, Australian Casey Stoner, slightly ahead of Kawasaki rider Shinya Nakano.

In the 250 cc race, Jorge Lorenzo claims his first victory, while another Spaniard won the 125.