Grupo Francisco Hernando, the team that fielded Spaniard Sete Gibernau on a Ducati Desmosedici GP09 SAT, has withdrawn from the remainder of the 2009 FIM MotoGP World Championship effective immediately, according to the official MotoGP website. According to the website, Grupo Francisco Hernando issued an announcement that cited the reason for the pullout as “the global economic situation” and said the group would refocus its resources on its “projects as promoters and constructors.” This move leaves the MotoGP class with 17 full-time entries.