DANI PEDROSA

This generation's most successful Spanish road racer, Dani Pedrosa served a superlative apprenticeship in the smaller classes before coming to MotoGP as a works Honda rider in 2006.

Still only 22, Pedrosa has grown-up in the world championship paddock since being spotted at the age of 15 in Alberto Puig's renowned talent-spotting scheme at the beginning of the century. He won his first Grand Prix in his second 125cc season in 2002.

He has since gained a total of three titles, 27 wins and 57 podiums in five further years of glory, busting records on the way. Dani's 2006 victory in China made him equal second youngest rider ever to have won in the premier-class, exactly the same age as the late Norick Abe was when he took his first GP victory in Japan in 1996 at Suzuka.

Only Freddie Spencer has won a premier-class GP at a younger age. His victory in China last year made him the youngest ever rider to win in 3 different GP categories taking the record from the legendary Mike Hailwood. Before moving up to the MotoGP class Pedrosa won the 125cc title and the 250cc title twice to become the youngest ever rider to win 3 world championships, taking the record from Valentino Rossi who was 22 when he won his third crown which was the 500cc championship in 2001.