The psychological warfare within the MotoGP paddock escalated following a direct response from Ducati team manager Davide Tardozzi aimed at recent remarks made by Aprilia Racing CEO Massimo Rivola. The debate was sparked after the Aprilia chief executive claimed that fielding even four Aprilia machines would still not be enough to defeat Marc Marquez on track.
While Rivola's comments were intended to highlight the extraordinary natural talent of the eight-time world champion, Tardozzi felt the assessment overlooked the massive organizational effort required to achieve consistent success in the premier class. The Italian manager firmly stated that victories are built upon a comprehensive infrastructure rather than individual brilliance alone.
"Four Aprilias are not enough? We have six Ducatis and sometimes other Ducati riders win as well. Compliments to Aprilia for their excellent motorcycle, but I want to make one thing clear: it is the complete package that wins," Tardozzi said in an interview with Sky Sport.
Elaborating on his point, Tardozzi outlined the essential elements that transform a fast rider into a title contender. His pointed reference to sporting leadership was widely interpreted in the paddock as a subtle jab at Aprilia's internal management dynamics.
"You need a fast rider, a champion like the one we have, a competitive bike, and a technical and sporting management that functions well and enables the rider to become world champion. So you need the complete package, including the sporting management," he emphasized.
Reflecting on the grueling 2026 campaign, the Ducati stalwart recalled the daunting 102-point deficit Marquez faced earlier in the season. According to Tardozzi, the painful setback suffered during the Italian round at Mugello served as the ultimate catalyst for their stunning championship turnaround.
"That 102-point gap hurt, especially at Mugello. That was a tough defeat. But Mugello gave us the fuel to believe in ourselves even more and show who Ducati is, who Marc Marquez is, and what this team is capable of," Tardozzi explained.
Finally, Tardozzi commended the maturity displayed by Marquez during the Grand Prix, noting how the Spanish star intelligently managed his race pace and tire degradation against his rivals to secure vital championship points.
"Marc is not only exceptionally fast right now, but also very mature. He knew his rivals were stronger with the medium rear tire and adjusted his strategy accordingly. That is the mindset of a true champion," he concluded.
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