As the MotoGP season roars toward the iconic British Grand Prix at Silverstone, the paddock is buzzing with more than just the sound of engines. Ducati team boss Davide Tardozzi has ignited headlines with a surprising and heartfelt statement about Marc Marquez and his partner, Gemma Pinto, that’s got fans and insiders talking. The six-time MotoGP world champion, now riding for Ducati’s factory team, has been a force to be reckoned with in 2025, and Tardozzi’s comments add a fresh layer of intrigue to Marquez’s resurgence. What did he say, and why is it causing such a stir?
Marc Marquez’s 2025 season has been nothing short of spectacular. After a challenging tenure with Honda, the Spaniard’s move to Ducati has paid dividends. With four consecutive Sprint victories, two pole positions, and a commanding lead in the championship standings, Marquez is proving why he’s one of the greatest riders in MotoGP history. His dominant performances in Qatar and Argentina, where he clinched double victories, have silenced doubters and reignited his title hopes. But it’s not just his on-track prowess that’s making waves—his personal life, particularly his relationship with Gemma Pinto, is now in the spotlight, thanks to Tardozzi’s unexpected remarks.
In a recent interview ahead of the British GP, Tardozzi didn’t hold back. “Marc is a different rider this year, and I believe Gemma is a big part of that,” he said. “She brings a calmness and focus to his life that we see reflected in his racing. It’s not just about speed; it’s about the balance she helps him find.” This candid praise for Pinto, a 27-year-old Catalan model and influencer, underscores the impact of Marquez’s personal stability on his professional success. Tardozzi’s statement is shocking not because it’s controversial, but because it’s rare for a team boss to so openly credit a rider’s partner for their performance.
Gemma Pinto has been a constant presence by Marquez’s side since mid-2023, accompanying him to races and sharing in the highs and lows of his career. Their relationship has been a source of strength for Marquez, who faced significant challenges during his Honda years, including a career-threatening arm injury in 2020 and subsequent surgeries. In 2023, when Marquez was grappling with a crisis of confidence, Pinto was credited with helping him rediscover his passion. As he told Paddock GP during that time, “To be fast and succeed in your professional life, you also have to be happy and stable in your private life, so I’m very happy.”
Tardozzi’s comments come at a pivotal moment. The British GP, set for August 2-4, 2025, marks the start of the European leg of the MotoGP season, a critical stretch for Marquez as he aims to maintain his championship lead. Silverstone’s fast, flowing layout has historically been a strong track for him, but his 2024 performance there—a sprint DNF and a 4th-place finish after a tyre-pressure penalty—serves as a reminder that nothing is guaranteed. With rivals like his brother Alex Marquez and defending champion Pecco Bagnaia breathing down his neck, Marquez needs every edge he can get.
The Ducati boss’s praise for Pinto also highlights the lighter, more human side of the team. Earlier this year, a viral moment during the Grand Prix of the Americas saw Pinto take an impromptu Italian language test, orchestrated by Tardozzi and administered by Domizia Castagnini, Bagnaia’s wife. The playful exchange, filled with laughter and a cheeky “vaffanculo” from Pinto, showcased the camaraderie within the Ducati camp. This dynamic, Tardozzi suggests, has fostered a positive environment that’s translating into results on the track.
But not everyone is singing Marquez’s praises. Catalan entrepreneur Alex Teixidor, Pinto’s ex-boyfriend, stirred controversy last year by calling Marquez “fake, manipulative, and mean” on social media. While Teixidor’s comments were dismissed by many as personal bitterness, they underscore the polarizing nature of Marquez’s rise. For every critic, though, there are countless fans who see him as a legend reborn, and Tardozzi’s endorsement of Pinto’s influence only amplifies that narrative.
As the British GP looms, all eyes will be on Marquez to see if he can continue his winning streak. Will Pinto’s presence be the secret weapon that keeps him grounded? Tardozzi seems to think so, and his bold statement has added a new dimension to the Marquez story. Whether it’s storming to victory or navigating the pressures of fame, one thing is clear: Marc Marquez, with Gemma Pinto by his side, is ready to take on Silverstone—and the world.
