Davide Tardozzi, the Ducati MotoGP team manager, has called on Marc Marquez and Valentino Rossi to resolve their longstanding dispute by shaking hands and moving past old grievances. This appeal comes shortly after Marquez’s victory in the sprint race was met with boos and whistles from a section of the Italian crowd at Mugello.
A Call to End Years of Tension Between the Two Champions
Since their bitter conflict began in the 2015 season, when Rossi accused Marquez of trying to sabotage his championship chances, the two riders have remained adversaries on and off the track. The hostility has particularly taken root in Italy, where Marquez has often faced a cold reception. In 2018, Rossi notably refused to shake Marquez’s hand during a press event, reaffirming his belief that Marquez had unfairly influenced the title outcome.
Tardozzi addressed this continued animosity directly following the sprint race, expressing his disapproval of the crowd’s unsportsmanlike reaction towards Marquez. He urged fans and the riders themselves to move past events that occurred nearly a decade ago.
Tardozzi Decries Unsportsmanlike Behaviour and Calls for Reconciliation
Speaking to Sky Sports Italy, Tardozzi said,
“I think unsportsmanlike behaviour is no longer justified when it’s related to events of 10 years ago,”
emphasizing that both riders should focus on sending positive messages and looking ahead.
He praised the efforts of fans who cheered for Pecco Bagnaia, Ducati’s third-place finisher, but condemned the whistling directed at Marquez, describing it as disrespectful. Tardozzi also declined to assign blame for the 2015 incident, suggesting it was shared equally:
“I don’t want to go back to the incident of 10 years ago, whose fault it was: for me, it’s 50/50.”
He concluded with a hopeful note:
“But after all this time, two super champions like Vale and Marc should look forward and I would like them to shake hands, since the past can no longer be changed.”
Marquez Notices Improved Fan Reception but Friction Remains
Marquez himself acknowledged on race weekend that the hostility he faced at Mugello has diminished since joining Ducati, though it has not disappeared entirely. This shift in attitude was echoed by other Ducati members, including Pecco Bagnaia, who last season chastised parts of the crowd for their treatment of Marquez after the Spaniard’s San Marino Grand Prix win at Misano.
Tardozzi’s remarks underline the significance of sportsmanship in MotoGP, highlighting the complex relationship between riders and fans shaped by past controversies. Encouraging Marquez and Rossi to reconcile could foster a more respectful atmosphere and allow both legends to focus on the future of the sport without the weight of historic disputes.
