Marc Marquez’s weight loss fuels MotoGP title hopes

Marc Marquez’s physical transformation and Ducati switch put him in prime position for the 2025 MotoGP championship.

Marc Marquez of Spain and Ducati Lenovo Team rides during the free practice 2 session of the MotoGP Thailand Grand Prix at Buriram International Circuit in Buriram on March 1, 2025. Photo by Lillian Suwanrumpha/AFP

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

Marc Marquez has undergone a physical transformation ahead of the 2025 MotoGP season, shedding weight to enhance his performance on the track. His efforts were evident in the season opener at Buriram, where he delivered a commanding display, securing pole position, winning the sprint race, and clinching victory in the grand prix.

This dominant start has immediately placed Marquez at the top of the championship standings, fueling expectations that he could challenge for his ninth world title. The Spaniard’s move to the factory Ducati team has given him access to the most competitive machinery on the grid, and early signs suggest he is maximizing its potential.

Marquez's victory in Thailand marked a historic milestone, making him the first factory Ducati rider since Casey Stoner in 2007 to win on debut with the team. The combination of his refined physical condition and the technical prowess of the Desmosedici GP25 has positioned him as a serious title contender.

Experts highlight Marquez’s physical transformation

Broadcasters and former riders have taken notice of Marquez’s physical changes, with TNT Sports presenter Suzi Perry pointing out his dramatic weight loss.

“He’s lost weight,” Perry observed. “Look at his cheekbones—you could cut paper on them, they are razor sharp. And he had no weight to lose. He has lost three kilos.”

Former World Superbike champion Neil Hodgson also weighed in, noting that Marquez has sacrificed muscle mass in favor of a leaner, more streamlined physique.

“He has definitely lost muscle,” Hodgson explained. “He had single-figure body fat, like a lot of the riders. He lost muscle because, after testing the 2025 bike—which was a two-year step from the 2023 bike he was on—his first comments were, ‘this bike is easier to ride.’

“I know it has reverted to the 2024 [engine]. It’s less physical, so he can lose muscle and be more streamlined. Power-to-weight ratio plays a huge part.”

How Marquez’s physique benefits his riding style

Marquez’s leaner frame has significant performance advantages, as noted by former MotoGP rider Sylvain Guintoli.

“It’s huge for fuel consumption and getting more aero,” Guintoli said. “The less muscle mass you have, for motorbike riding, this is what you need.

“He was definitely muscling the 2023 bike that he rode in 2024. You could see he was tense on that bike.

“The body language on the factory Ducati this year, from his first laps, was more relaxed—the head position was lower, more comfortable.”

This improved comfort level is crucial for a rider like Marquez, who has endured numerous injuries throughout his career. A smoother riding style could reduce strain on his body, allowing him to maintain consistency across the season.

The significance of Marquez’s Ducati move

Now 32 years old, Marquez is the second-oldest rider on the 2025 MotoGP grid, trailing only Johann Zarco. His decision to leave Gresini Racing and join the factory Ducati team has provided him with the most advanced bike in the championship.

For years, Ducati has set the benchmark in MotoGP, with its Desmosedici GP machines dominating the sport. By securing a seat in the factory team, Marquez now has access to the latest technical developments, giving him a crucial edge over his rivals.

His transition from Gresini to Ducati’s official garage has also placed him in a highly competitive environment, alongside reigning champion Francesco Bagnaia. This dynamic could push Marquez to further refine his skills and extract maximum performance from his bike.

Can Marquez reclaim MotoGP supremacy?

Marquez’s transformation, both physically and in terms of his team switch, has reignited hopes of a return to championship glory. His performance at Buriram suggests that he is fully prepared to fight for the title, and if he maintains this form, he could add to his eight world titles.

The upcoming races will provide further insight into whether Marquez’s weight loss strategy and Ducati’s capabilities can sustain a full-season title challenge. However, his immediate impact in the 2025 campaign has already sent a clear message—Marc Marquez is back in contention for MotoGP supremacy.