In the world of MotoGP, speed and technique are often highlighted, but a crucial detail remains in the shadows: the weight of the riders. While categories like Moto2 and Moto3 impose minimum weights, the premier class seems to disregard this reality, leaving the heavier riders at the mercy of the lighter ones. What are the consequences for the competition?
An absent minimum weight in MotoGP
MotoGP is the only category in motorcycle Grand Prix that does not impose a minimum weight for the combination of the machine and the rider. This rule exists in Moto2 and Moto3 to compensate for the disadvantage of taller and heavier riders. In Moto3, the combined weight of the bike and rider must reach at least 152 kg, while in Moto2, it is set at 217 kg.
On the other hand, WorldSBK presents a unique case by applying a correction factor for the rider’s weight. In addition to the minimum bike weight set at 168 kg, a reference of 80 kg has been established for the rider’s weight, including equipment. Lighter riders must compensate by adding ballast to their machine. For example, if a rider weighs 68 kg with their gear, 6 kg of ballast will be added to their bike. An approach that, as you can imagine, promotes equity on the track.
Weight, a major concern
No similar rule exists in MotoGP. With a minimum bike weight set at 157 kg, disparities between riders are not compensated. Each must manage their weight through dietary choices and rigorous training. Jorge Martín has highlighted the importance of this aspect in competition: “We are the elite of motorsport and we work on every detail. One of those details is weight. We are all really very lean and we try to be strong and enduring, but with a reduced weight.”
He continues with disarming honesty: “You always have to fight to find that balance. And yes, anyone who weighs over 70 kg fundamentally has a problem.” Now that sets the record straight!
Luca Marini calls for a minimum weight
At 63 kg and 1.68 m, the 2024 world champion is among the lightest riders in MotoGP. In contrast, Luca Marini, who stands 1.84 m tall, finds himself struggling with this issue. Although he is the tallest rider in the championship, he limits his weight at the cost of a drastic lifestyle.
“I weigh 70 kg,” Marini confides. “It has always been the same: the lighter you are, the faster you go and the less you wear out the tires, like Pedrosa. In my opinion, there should be a minimum weight rule, like in all other sports.”
He adds clearly: “In the end, it’s the only thing missing in MotoGP. For lighter riders, it is always easier to gain weight. You just have to train or eat more. For heavier riders, at a certain point, it becomes impossible to drop below a certain weight.”
Last season, four riders exceeded 1.80 m on the grid: Luca Marini (184 cm), Joan Mir (181 cm), Fermín Aldeguer (181 cm), and Álex Márquez (180 cm).
Opinions differ on the impact of height
However, Álex Márquez, the vice-world champion, believes that his height is not a significant disadvantage. “When it comes to making many direction changes, being taller can be an advantage because you have more strength and can shift your weight to the side at the right moment,” he explains.
According to him, the advantages and disadvantages of tall and short riders ultimately balance out. “It is true that the weight of all MotoGP riders is now more or less the same,” he points out. “We all weigh between 65 and 70 kg. So we don’t really feel that five-kilo [difference], and I don’t think my height is a problem for me.”
No rider weighed more than 70 kg last season. However, in 2026, Toprak Razgatlioglu, coming from WorldSBK, will join the MotoGP grid. Announced at 72 kg for 1.82 m, it will be interesting to see how he adapts to a championship without such a rule.
A question of equity in sports
The question of minimum weight in MotoGP raises issues of equity that go beyond the realm of competition. While other sports disciplines take into account the morphology of athletes to ensure a fair level of competition, MotoGP seems to disregard this reality.
Perhaps it is time to rethink these rules to ensure that every rider can give their best, regardless of their build. Because in the end, it is not just a matter of speed, but of balance and equity on the track.
