The MotoGP paddock is ablaze with controversy following a heated exchange between Ducati Lenovo Team’s boss, Davide Tardozzi, and MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi, who recently accused Marc Márquez of unfair tactics in the 2025 season. On July 17, 2025, Tardozzi issued a stern rebuke, reportedly telling Rossi, “Marquez didn’t cheat, Rossi, shut up,” in response to Rossi’s claims that Ducati was favoring Márquez over other riders, including Rossi’s VR46 protégé, Marco Bezzecchi. The escalating feud, rooted in a decade-long rivalry, has reignited tensions and cast a shadow over the upcoming Czech Grand Prix, already under threat from a new regulation that could cancel the event.

Rossi, whose VR46 Racing Team operates as a Ducati satellite squad, joined forces with Bezzecchi to criticize Ducati’s handling of rider support, alleging that Márquez, now a factory Ducati rider, receives preferential treatment in technical resources and strategy. The accusations, made during a press conference on July 16, suggested that Ducati’s focus on Márquez undermines the performance of other riders, including Bezzecchi, who rides a year-old GP24 bike. Rossi’s comments, amplified by his storied rivalry with Márquez dating back to the controversial 2015 Malaysian Grand Prix, have stirred unrest among fans, with posts on X speculating about a renewed “Rossi vs. Márquez” saga. One user, @MotoGPFanatic, wrote, “Rossi’s back at it, but is he right about Ducati and Marc?”

Tardozzi, a seasoned figure in Ducati’s management, swiftly defended Márquez, emphasizing his integrity and contributions to the team. In an interview with CNN, Tardozzi described Márquez as “a very human and honest person,” urging fans and Rossi to move past the events of 2015. He dismissed Rossi’s claims as baseless, asserting that Ducati’s support is distributed equitably based on performance needs. “Marc didn’t cheat, and these accusations are unfair,” Tardozzi stated, addressing Rossi directly in a rare public admonishment. He further highlighted Márquez’s dominance in 2025, noting his 344 points and 83-point lead over Alex Márquez, underscoring the Spaniard’s merit-based success with the GP25 bike.

The timing of this clash coincides with a broader crisis in MotoGP, as a new FIM regulation on circuit safety and environmental standards threatens to cancel the Czech Grand Prix at Brno. Introduced to address concerns about track conditions, the rule has raised doubts about Brno’s compliance, with insiders warning that the event may be scrapped. The potential cancellation has fueled frustration, with teams and fans already on edge. Rossi’s accusations have only intensified the drama, drawing attention away from preparations for what could be a historic race, where Márquez aims to secure a fourth Brno victory, matching Rossi’s record.

Ducati’s internal dynamics are also under scrutiny, as Francesco Bagnaia, another Rossi protégé, struggles with the GP25, trailing Márquez by 147 points. Ducati CEO Claudio Domenicali has expressed concern over Bagnaia’s lack of confidence, while praising Márquez’s “extraordinary” performances, such as his wet Sprint victory at the German Grand Prix. This disparity has fueled Rossi’s narrative that Ducati prioritizes Márquez, a claim Tardozzi vehemently denies, insisting that the team is committed to all its riders. Meanwhile, Bezzecchi’s recent crash in Germany, as revealed by Aprilia’s Massimo Rivola, has added to VR46’s challenges, further complicating their season.

The feud has deeper roots, with Rossi reportedly supporting rookie Pedro Acosta as a potential challenger to Márquez’s dominance, according to Carlo Pernat. Rossi sees Acosta, a rising star, as a way to counter Márquez’s pursuit of a ninth world title, which would equal Rossi’s career tally. However, Márquez remains focused, telling DAZN that reconciliation with Rossi requires mutual effort, a prospect he deems “very difficult.” His focus on securing a seventh MotoGP title in 2025, rather than chasing Rossi’s 89 wins, highlights his pragmatic approach amid the controversy.

As MotoGP approaches its mid-season break, the sport is grappling with both internal and external pressures. Tardozzi’s call for Rossi to “shut up” reflects Ducati’s frustration with the ongoing narrative, while the potential loss of the Czech GP looms large. Fans are divided, with some rallying behind Rossi’s critique and others backing Márquez’s resurgence. For now, the paddock awaits Rossi’s response and the resolution of Brno’s fate, as MotoGP navigates one of its most turbulent moments in recent memory.