At the opening round of the 2006 MotoGP series we saw Dani Pedrosa come past both Marco Melandri and Nicky Hayden, without much effort, to take second place in his first MotoGP race ever. Less weight equals more acceleration, slower fuel consumption and longer tire life. As we look forward to the adoption in 2007 of smaller engines and smaller fuel tanks, here are some numbers worth considering:

Pedrosa: 104 lb, 5'2"
Elias: 121 lb, 5'4"
Melandri: 128 lb, 5'6"
Stoner: 128 lb 5'7"
Capirossi: 130 lb, 5'4"
Rossi: 130 lb, 5'11"
Hayden: 150 lb, 5'8"
Gibernau: 154 lb, 5'9"

Weight difference between Dani Pedrosa and Nicky Hayden: 46 pounds.