What Marc Marquez privately said to Davide Tardozzi after MotoGP ‘attitudes’ criticism

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Davide Tardozzi welcomes Marc Marquez to the Ducati team for the 2025 MotoGP season. Marquez is the team’s new marquee signing as they look to extend their run of dominance.

With Marquez alongside Francesco Baganaia, Ducati don’t just think they have the best line-up on the grid. They believe it’s one of the best in MotoGP history.

Given that the duo have won eight world championships combined (six for Marquez and two for Bagnaia), that stance is justified. Individually, the Spaniard is looking to match Valentino Rossi’s haul of seven premier-class titles.

Marquez won a duel with Pramac’s Jorge Martin for the second seat, replacing Enea Bastianini. He was outstanding on a year-old Gresini bike after his seismic Honda exit.

Tardozzi had been critical of the Ant of Cervera during his days with the Japanese manufacturer. Speaking to AS, he claimed that Marquez was falling too often because he was asking too much of the bike.

He also felt that Marquez’s use of the tow in qualifying was unbecoming of a ‘champion’. Multiple riders have exploited holes in the rulebook and used the slipstream to their advantage.

Davide Tardozzi stands by his criticism of Ducati rider Marc Marquez

In an interview with Motosan, Tardozzi was asked whether he takes back his past criticism of Marquez. But he says he hasn’t changed his mind.

They spoke about his comments in private, with Marquez making his counterpoints. He argued that ‘taking many risks’ is essential.

Tardozzi is a former motorcycle racer himself, having competed in the World Superbike Championship from 1988 to 1992. He won five races and scored 11 podiums.

It remains to be seen how Ducati will react if their past grievances with Marquez resurface during the coming season. Tardozzi believes communication is key.

• READ MORE: Everything to know about Marc Marquez from net worth to girlfriend

“No, when I say something, I mean it,” he said. “And I have no problem talking about all that with Marc.

“I know him, he knows me. Sometimes you can change your mind, sometimes you can’t.

“When I criticised Marc for some of his attitudes, he was fair. He gave me his point of view and I listened to him.

“He believes that he has often had to take many risks to achieve his goals. The important thing is to talk and listen to each other.”

Valentino Rossi has told Francesco Bagnaia how to beat Marc Marquez

Tardozzi will be one of those responsible for managing the dynamic between the two riders this season. Many see tension as inevitable given what’s at stake.

Departed rider Bastianini sees potential complications with the Marquez/Bagnaia duo. Last season, the competition spanned multiple teams, but it may now be an internal battle.

Bagnaia’s links to Valentino Rossi could be problematic. There’s a long-standing acrimony between Marquez and The Doctor.

Rossi has offered Bagnaia some key advice ahead of the 2025 season, warning that he can’t win every race. He needs to know when damage limitation will suffice, and withstand ‘mind games’ from the other side of the garage.