According to a traditional interpretation, members of the powerful Hispanic and Galic faction of Gratianus' court directed by Ausonius would have demanded to the emperor the elevation to the throne of Theodosius I. Nevertheless, as it is demonstrated here, was not in Sirmio in January of the 379 and, therefore, it is not possible to pronounce about a direct intervention of Ausonius in the election and candidacy of the Spanish general.