Marc Marquez’s relaxed body language signals confidence

Marc Marquez is showing relaxed body language and strong form with Ducati, raising concerns for his MotoGP rivals after his dominant Thailand GP win.

Marc Marquez of Spain and Ducati Lenovo Team celebrates on the podium after winning the MotoGP Thailand Grand Prix at Buriram International Circuit in Buriram on March 2, 2025. Photo by Lillian Suwanrumpha/AFP

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

Marc Marquez’s smile is only getting wider after his commanding performance at the 2025 MotoGP season opener in Thailand. His victory at Buriram showcased his immediate adaptation to Ducati’s factory team, and with upcoming rounds in Argentina and Texas—two of his strongest circuits—his rivals have reason to worry.

Beyond his on-track dominance, Marquez’s body language behind the scenes is also making an impression. His relaxed demeanor suggests he is more comfortable than ever, a stark contrast to the tense moments he experienced in his final years at Honda.

Peter McLaren, reporting from the Buriram paddock on the Crash podcast, noted how at ease Marquez appeared during the race weekend.

“Marc looked really relaxed, perhaps the most relaxed that I’ve seen him,” McLaren said. “The way it works is: they come into the media room, sometimes they queue up. Some riders love that—Jack Miller, for example, chats to the other riders. Others keep to themselves. Marc is like this sometimes, just speaking to his press officer or his assistant.”

However, this time, Marquez exuded a level of comfort that caught McLaren’s attention.

“He has been really relaxed. He is as comfortable off the track as he is on it.”

While reigning champion Pecco Bagnaia remains composed as always, he acknowledges the challenge ahead.

“There is no change with Pecco Bagnaia,” McLaren continued. “He is very calm, we know how he is, he does not panic. But Pecco has said he’s got a lot of work to do, a lot of catching up to do. He needs to find pace to put pressure on Marc.

“We didn’t think there would be a clear gap at the first round. Rewind a year ago: Gigi Dall’Igna saw something in the data to sign Marc before he’d won any races. Now we are seeing what Gigi saw on the computer screens a year ago.”

Ducati’s calculated move pays off

Ducati’s decision to sign Marquez was met with intrigue, as it raised questions about how he would integrate into an already successful team. Many wondered whether his arrival would disrupt the harmony in a garage that had delivered two consecutive titles for Bagnaia.

So far, those concerns appear unfounded. The atmosphere within the Ducati camp remains positive, with Marquez settling in smoothly.

“He has essentially stepped into enemy territory,” journalist Lewis Duncan observed.

“There was maybe a wonder, when Marc was signed to the factory team and wasn’t allowed to take Frankie Carchedi or Santi Hernandez. The only reason Hernandez didn’t join him at Gresini was because Marc refused to sign a two-year deal and [Ducati] didn’t want their secrets [being given] away.

“There were little thoughts: ‘Marc is coming into the team, how will it work with Gigi, a proud engineer who won’t want his team’s efforts masked by a rider’s ability?’

“When Marc comes in, he’ll be branded the winner rather than the bike.”

However, Duncan pointed out that any potential tensions between Marquez and Ducati’s hierarchy have quickly dissipated.

“We saw quickly, Marc and Gigi sat together laughing. It seems a relaxed atmosphere. Ducati knows they’ve got something special in their hands.”

Ducati’s pursuit of MotoGP greatness

For Ducati, signing Marquez represents the culmination of a decade-long effort to return to the pinnacle of MotoGP. Since Gigi Dall’Igna took over in 2014, the manufacturer has steadily built its way back to the top, first securing victories and then championships. Now, they have the opportunity to solidify their legacy.

“This is Gigi’s end-game,” Duncan explained. “He came in 2014 at Ducati’s lowest point and he built it to a point where they won races and championships.

“But the ultimate goal for any manufacturer is to have the best rider winning a championship. They tried with Valentino Rossi and it didn’t work. They haven’t had the opportunity to do it again. Bagnaia and Martin were young riders who came through their system.

“It will probably get to a point where Marc fights for the championship, or wins it. That is the end-game for all of their hard work.

“They have an opportunity to become legends in MotoGP. It’s one thing to win a championship with Bagnaia, but another to win it with Marquez. That’s why it’s so harmonious.

“They’ve got the best bike and the best rider. That’s a combination which doesn’t happen often.”

Rivals on alert as Marquez gains momentum

With his immediate impact on the Ducati already clear, Marquez is poised to extend his dominance as the season progresses. If his rivals were hoping for a slow adaptation period, they may need to adjust their expectations.

As the paddock moves to Argentina and Texas, circuits where Marquez has historically excelled, his confidence will only grow. Ducati’s calculated gamble on the Spaniard is already proving to be a masterstroke, and with each passing race, Marquez is reinforcing why he remains one of MotoGP’s greatest competitors.