Pere Riba made a surprise return to MotoGP just weeks before the start of the 2002 World Championship as a replacement for Alex Criville in the Luis d'Antin Yamaha squad. The 32 year old had not previously contested a Grand Prix since 1995, when he finished 20th in the 250cc race at Buenos Aires. That was his second and final season aboard a Honda in the quarter-litre class before he pursued a career in the Supersport. Spanish Championship in 1993 and 1996, moving to World Super Sport in 1999. Riba’s 6 starts in 2002 yielded him four points for the season.