MotoGP: will the size and weight of the riders lead to a change in the regulations like in WSBK?

WorldSBK's move to a minimum combined rider and bike weight for 2024 has sparked debate in the MotoGP community. Some prominent drivers have long argued that the lack of combined weight gives an unfair advantage to smaller drivers, while others point out disadvantages for taller drivers during hard braking or in harsh weather conditions. Here is an update, with a list revealing the morphology of the drivers currently competing in the premier Grand Prix category.

The compromise proposed by WorldSBK consists of imposing a minimum weight for the motorcycle as well as a new reference weight for the rider. Riders weighing less than the benchmark will need to add some extra weight to their machine. However, this approach took great care to avoid overloading a lightweight rider's motorcycle with dangerous amounts of ballast.

Interestingly, the Moto3 and Moto2 categories have already adopted a combined rider and bike weight. Some drivers, like Luca marini, hope that WorldSBK will pave the way for the use of a combined weight in the premier class of MotoGP in the future: “ they are trying in WSBK and I am very curious about it because maybe in the future it will come to MotoGP ».

The 2024 MotoGP rider list shows a relatively small difference in weight between the shortest and tallest riders, raising the question of the need for combined weight. However, it is worth noting that just a few years ago the weight difference between drivers was much greater.

**Luca Marini: “ they are trying in WSBK and I am very curious about it because maybe in the future it will come to MotoGP »**

It is important to find a balance so as not to exclude larger riders from MotoGP while avoiding excessively disadvantaging smaller riders. It's also important to recognize that shorter riders generally have an easier time gaining weight and muscle, while their taller, already lean counterparts may have a harder time losing more.

Ultimately, it is essential to carefully monitor the impact of weight change in World SBK and to take into account the opinions of the riders in order to find the best solution to ensure fair competition in the premier category of MotoGP.

List of drivers with their height and weight:

Augusto Fernandez: 72 kg/180 cm

Alex Rins: 72 kg/176 cm

Takaaki Nakagami: 70 kg/175 cm

Luca Marini: 69 kg/184 cm

Joan Mir: 69 kg/181 cm

Raul Fernández: 68 kg/179 cm

Fabio di Giannantonio: 68 kg/175 cm

Johann Zarco: 68 kg/171 cm

Francesco Bagnaïa: 67 kg/176 cm

Franco Morbidelli: 67 kg/176 cm

Aleix Espargaró: 66 kg/180 cm