Since 2001, Gibernau achieved his best time and greatest success in the Moto GP since his change to Honda in 2003. After twice being the runner-up to the world title, this stubborn competitor of Valentino Rosse gained a total of 150 points in the overall standings in the 2005 season. The 211V was developed in 2001 by the Honda Racing Corporation in accordance with the Moto GP rules and since then details have been improved, so that in 2005 it offered a capacity of 250 hp.