Marc Marquez’s remarkable 2025 championship win aboard Ducati has drawn parallels with Kevin Schwantz’s own legendary career, with Schwantz openly acknowledging their shared journey of overcoming adversity in MotoGP. The story of Marquez as a Ducati MotoGP champion stands as a testament to resilience, skill, and the unwavering drive to succeed against the odds.
Marquez’s Ducati Switch Brings Rewards After Years of Struggle
Motorcycle racing luminary Kevin Schwantz recognizes himself in Marc Marquez’s latest achievements in MotoGP, following Marquez’s extraordinary title win for Ducati in 2025. Similar to Schwantz—who became renowned for extracting performance from a Suzuki that wasn’t the class leader—Marquez built his reputation by wringing the maximum out of a challenging Honda machine over several seasons, even as both men fought through significant injuries during their racing careers.
Marquez clinched his recent world title in Japan, an accomplishment marked by persistence after enduring four difficult years following his Jerez 2020 crash. The switch to Ducati for the 2024 season ultimately paid off, as Marquez secured his first championship since 2019, underlining the value of perseverance and strategic career decisions.
Schwantz Sees Himself in Marquez’s Tireless Spirit
Reflecting on Marquez’s career trajectory, Schwantz—1993’s 500cc world champion—shared his deep understanding of the Spaniard’s path:
“Yes, I see myself reflected in him,”
—Kevin Schwantz, World Champion
Schwantz compared Marquez’s decision to change teams with his own loyalty to Suzuki, noting the challenge and pain of leaving a long-time team, while expressing admiration for Marquez’s refusal to give up in the face of adversity. Schwantz highlighted Marquez’s resilience as a defining trait, emphasizing the internal drive that compels top riders to push their limits, even when it leads to setbacks.
“Pushing hard is in our DNA: sometimes it works, sometimes you fall because of it… but that’s who we are.”
—Kevin Schwantz, World Champion
The Role of Family and Team During Recovery
Schwantz also discussed the importance of Marquez’s brother, Alex Marquez, in Marc’s recovery and comeback. Sharing a garage at Gresini during Marc’s first year with Ducati, Alex provided crucial support and motivation, which helped the older Marquez regain his edge and find new success on track.
“I think his brother Alex helped him a lot, giving him a point of reference during his rehabilitation. Now, he’s proving his worth, making this season almost ‘easy’.”
—Kevin Schwantz, World Champion
The Marquez brothers’ partnership led to a historic family achievement in 2025, as both finished at the top of the championship standings, reinforcing the significant role that close relationships play in high-pressure sports.
Contrasts with Ducati Teammate and Changing MotoGP Landscape
While Marc Marquez thrived in his debut season with Ducati, his factory teammate Francesco Bagnaia struggled to match the newcomer’s pace. Schwantz described the scenario as challenging to interpret from the outside, referencing the complex world of modern electronics, tires, and aerodynamics, which can dramatically influence race outcomes and performance gaps between riders.
“Bagnaia has had a difficult season, although he has won races,”
—Kevin Schwantz, World Champion
“It’s hard to understand from the outside, with all the electronics, tyres and aerodynamics nowadays. If you go too slow, the tyre cools down and you crash. It’s a different world.”
—Kevin Schwantz, World Champion
Schwantz’s comments highlight how MotoGP technology has evolved, making it increasingly difficult even for experts to fully grasp the intricacies that separate winners from the rest.
Lessons from Schwantz’s Racing Career
Drawing from his own experience, Schwantz referred to the unique satisfaction of competing with equipment that was not always the quickest, which required developing new strategies and problem-solving on track. He found greater fulfillment in overcoming adversity, much as Marquez has done in recent seasons.
“Racing with the fastest bike would have been boring! I liked having to come up with a strategy, finding places to overtake. My Suzuki wasn’t always the fastest, but it was competitive. In 1989, it was strong but fragile. In 1993, everything finally came together: reliability, consistency, performance… you didn’t need top speed, just intelligence and courage.”
—Kevin Schwantz, World Champion
Even now, Schwantz feels the deep allure of racing and the rush it brings, cherishing the emotional rewards of victory and the camaraderie among his crew.
“But I still love the feeling of pushing, like when you’re riding the GSX-8 at Misano at full throttle, and you feel your heart beating like it used to. Racing was a necessity; the desire to fight. Winning was great, but the best thing was coming back to the pits and seeing the team’s joy. I liked winning for them. All the risk was worth that collective happiness.”
—Kevin Schwantz, World Champion
What Marquez’s 2025 Title Means for MotoGP and the Sport’s Future
Marc Marquez’s achievement in becoming Ducati MotoGP champion adds another storied chapter to the careers of both himself and his brother Alex, while reviving memories of legendary competitors like Schwantz. Their willingness to overcome injuries, adapt to new machinery and teams, and find success against the odds highlights the spirit that defines the premier class of motorcycle racing. As long as riders like Marquez and Schwantz push the limits, MotoGP will continue to inspire fans and competitors alike with tales of skill, determination, and brotherhood.
