The Ducati MotoGP boss 2025, Davide Tardozzi, opened up about the emotional aftermath of Marc Marquez being booed during his victory celebrations at the Italian Grand Prix. The incident unfolded at Mugello, where Marquez’s success met with a mixed reception from the passionate crowd, highlighting lingering tensions within the sport.
A Landmark Season Overshadowed by Controversy
Ducati enjoyed its second-best season in MotoGP history last year, accumulating an impressive 17 wins out of 22 races and sweeping all three world titles. Marc Marquez contributed significantly to this dominant performance, collecting 11 grand prix victories, 14 sprint wins, and securing his seventh MotoGP title with five rounds still remaining in the championship.
Despite these triumphs on the track, not all fans expressed support. The strained relationship between Marquez and certain sections of the audience dates back to his falling out with Valentino Rossi in 2015, a feud that continues to influence fan behavior, especially at Italian venues like Mugello and Misano.
Mugello Booing Recalls a Strained History
The 2025 Mugello sprint victory celebration was marred when the crowd booed Marquez—a reaction that clearly affected Tardozzi. In a recent DAZN documentary chronicling Marquez’s 2025 campaign, Tardozzi revisited that difficult day and described his personal feelings regarding the incident.
“It was a very difficult moment for me because when I saw the grandstand at Mugello, where more than 50% were wearing red shirts,”
Davide Tardozzi shared, reflecting on the tension he witnessed as Marquez stood on the podium.
Tardozzi criticized fans for holding on to the bitterness originating from the 2015 controversy, expressing fatigue over its continued impact. He emphasized his disappointment, especially seeing Ducati supporters in red shirts join in the booing, calling for respect for the rider and the champion’s accomplishment at Mugello.
Assigning Responsibility and Seeking Respect for Champions
In his remarks, Tardozzi urged fans to move beyond past disputes and instead respect those who succeed on the track. He repeatedly denounced the enduring resentment, asserting that clinging to old grievances does not align with true sportsmanship or motorcycle fandom.
“The blame is split 50/50; Marc made mistakes, and Valentino Rossi made mistakes, so enough.”
— Davide Tardozzi
The team boss made it clear that neither Marquez nor Rossi bears full responsibility for the events of 2015, insisting that both played a role. Calling for an end to divisiveness, he reinforced the importance of honoring winners—regardless of past rivalries—especially at iconic circuits like Mugello.
What This Means for MotoGP Moving Forward
The reaction at Mugello and Tardozzi’s candid response reflect persistent divisions within the MotoGP fan base, often centered on long-standing rivalries. As the championship evolves, the Ducati MotoGP boss 2025 hopes for greater unity and respect among motorcycle fans, aspiring to see the sport celebrated for its achievements and competitive spirit rather than overshadowed by the bitterness of the past.
