My top ten particular FIM GP riders list so far

[Schummy]

In my (very particular) opinÃ*on the ten best drivers from best to "worst" is:[list=1][*]Rossi, MotoGP(ITA)[*]Biaggi, MotoGP(ITA)[*]Poggiali, 250cc(RSM)[*]Gibernau, MotoGP(SPA)[*]Puniet, 250cc(FRA)[*]Capirossi, MotoGP(ITA)[*]Elias, 250cc(SPA)[*]Bayliss, MotoGP(AUS)[*]Aoyama, 250cc(JAP)[*]Perugini/Pedrosa, 125cc(ITA/SPA)[/list=1]
Sorry for the long explanation, but this is my reasoning:
Rossi doesn't need explanation. Biaggi is IMHO the second best in MotoGP, Poggiali is (even after Jerez) the clear leader force in 250cc. Gibernau is, for me a pleasant surprise, although we know he is superb in some GPs and irregular elsewhere. Puniet is revealing himself as a top rider in 250cc. Capirossi is doing brave things but he needs more consistency to mount a WC challenge. Elias: brave indeed in Jerez. Bayliss, great work; from a "rookie-wise" point of view I'd put him higher. Aoyama was very quick in his only GP (but maybe his Suzuka knowledge was crucial). And I have put Perugini and Pedrosa because they are the two best in 125cc, but there is Cecchinello too.

Italy, Spain and Japan are the countries with most riders in FIM GPs, but it is surprising the amount and quality of italian riders: Rossi, Biaggi, Capirossi,... is an awesome armada.

Spain covers all the fronts with Sete Gibernau, Elias and Pedrosa in MotoGP, 250cc and 125cc. However Japan is currently in a low tide epoch: many drivers, few results. Ukawa is maybe his best rider(*), and he is not going too well, Ui has not yet recovered his old form, Takahashi and Aoyama are just promises by now.

(*) Katoh: I'd want to cry...

[f1manoz]

I'm just going to go top 5 from each category at the present time:

MotoGP

1. Rossi - Is there any other choice?
2. Biaggi - Mr. Consistency
3. Capirossi - He's done well on a new bike
4. Barros - Best Yamaha by far
5. Bayliss/Gibernau - Bayliss is top rookie. Sete has come on strong

250

1. Poggiali - Dominated so far
2. de Puniet - Fastest rider in 250 over a single lap
3. Rolfo - 250cc Mr. Consistency
4. Elias - Fantastic at Jerez. Must keep it up.
5. Battaini - Showing up the factory riders

125

1. Jenkner - 125cc Mr. Consistency. Best form of career
2. Cecchinello - Could this be the year?
3. Pedrosa - Undoubtedly fast, but it hasn't clicked yet
4. Perugini - Come to the fore after years in the wilderness
5. Ui - Recovering after a shocking 2002.

[wreckless]

After this season West would have be in the 250 list

[f1manoz]

*slaps forehead*

Knew I'd forget someone! Very true wreckless, his performances have been truly sensational, considering he spent a year away from the sport doing piddly squat.

[x_dt]

MotoGP:
1 Rossi
2 Giberneau (Jerez crash notwithstanding)
3 Bayliss
4 Biaggi
5 Capirossi

250cc:
1 Poggiali
2 Rolfo (Honda still improving)
3 Porto (ditto)
4-5 de Puniet, Elias
Disappointment: Fonsi Nieto (2nd last year )

125cc top 5 (in no particular order) :
Cecchinello, Dovizioso (an unexpected contender), Jenkner, Pedrosa, Ui

Difficult to compare one rider in one class with another in a different class though the Motocourse top 10s do just that.

[MichaelH]

er...here goes.

1 Rossi
2 Bayliss
3 Gibernau
4 Biaggi
5 Kato (11th to fifth at the start in Japan, a total legend)