In a bold and controversial statement, Ducati team principal Claudio Domenicali has stirred up the MotoGP paddock with his comments regarding the current tension between Marc Marquez and Pecco Bagnaia, comparing their rivalry to the internal dynamics of the Aprilia team. Domenicali’s comments have raised eyebrows, as the Ducati boss appears to suggest that while Ducati riders may have their share of conflicts, the situation pales in comparison to the growing controversy surrounding the Aprilia team.

The rift between Marquez and Bagnaia, which has been brewing for months, came to a head recently following a series of on-track incidents that have divided fans and pundits. Although Marquez has always been a fierce competitor, his aggressive riding style has often clashed with Bagnaia’s more measured approach. Tensions boiled over at the last race, when the pair were involved in a dramatic incident that saw both riders question each other’s race tactics.

In his statement, Domenicali suggested that the Ducati team has a more “respectful” relationship between its riders, despite the competitive nature of the sport. “We have a healthy rivalry, but we don’t see the same kind of animosity that you can see in other teams,” he commented. “Comparing our situation with Aprilia’s internal problems is like comparing apples to oranges. Our riders are focused on the championship, not on unnecessary distractions.”

Domenicali’s comparison between the dynamics of the Ducati team and Aprilia’s internal struggles has added fuel to the fire of an already simmering situation. The Aprilia team, currently embroiled in its own series of controversies involving Aleix Espargaro and Maverick Viñales, has been criticised for a lack of cohesion between its riders. The tension between Espargaro and Viñales, who have been open about their mutual frustrations, has created a storm of speculation with some pointing the finger at the company’s management for its handling of the team’s internal conflicts.

This latest comment from Domenicali highlights the increasing pressure on both Ducati and Aprilia to manage their rider relationships and internal rivalries. While Ducati appears to have navigated the competitive dynamic with relative ease, the Aprilia team will likely face continued scrutiny for its failure to avoid clashes between its star riders.

With the MotoGP season in its final stretch, all eyes will now be on how these tensions play out on the track and in the teams’ pits. Will the Ducati team’s cool-headed attitude to the rivalry give them an advantage, or will Aprilia’s internal struggles prove to be the turning point in the title fight?