Just 5 minutes ago, Tardozzi issued a WARNING aimed directly at Valentino Rossi “Hey Rossi, you’re just good at talking, you’re not better than Marc Marquez” after his sarcastic remarks aimed at Ducati before the San Marino GP !!
In a dramatic escalation of tensions in the MotoGP paddock, Ducati team manager Davide Tardozzi unleashed a scathing verbal assault on Valentino Rossi just moments ago, following the Italian legend’s provocative comments about Ducati’s performance ahead of the San Marino Grand Prix. The fiery exchange has reignited the long-simmering rivalry between Rossi and Marc Marquez, with Tardozzi accusing Rossi of being “all talk” and unable to match Marquez’s prowess on the track. This explosive confrontation comes at a critical juncture in the 2025 MotoGP season, as Ducati continues its dominance and Rossi’s VR46 team struggles to keep pace.
The controversy erupted when Rossi, a nine-time world champion and one of MotoGP’s most iconic figures, made pointed remarks about Ducati’s overwhelming success in recent races. Speaking to the press earlier this week, Rossi suggested that Ducati’s technical superiority was overshadowing the skill of its riders, a comment widely interpreted as a jab at Marquez, who has been in scintillating form since joining the factory Ducati Lenovo Team for 2025. Rossi’s VR46 Academy, which mentors young talents like Francesco Bagnaia, has also been under scrutiny for its inability to consistently challenge Ducati’s factory squad, adding a personal edge to his critique.
Tardozzi, known for his no-nonsense approach, did not hold back in his response. “Hey Rossi, you’re just good at talking” he declared in a heated interview just five minutes ago, his words dripping with defiance. “You talk and talk, but what have you done to beat Marc Marquez? Nothing. He’s out there winning races, breaking records, and you’re sitting on the sidelines throwing shade.” Tardozzi’s blunt warning underscores the growing divide between Ducati’s current leadership and Rossi, whose tenure with the Italian manufacturer from 2011 to 2012 was famously unsuccessful, yielding no race wins and a strained relationship with the team.
Marquez, the eight-time world champion, has been the focal point of MotoGP’s narrative this season. After a triumphant 2024 campaign with Gresini Racing, where he ended a three-year victory drought with wins at Aragon and San Marino, Marquez has carried his momentum into 2025. His seamless adaptation to the factory Ducati GP25 has produced a string of podiums, including a commanding victory at the Aragon Grand Prix earlier this year. Marquez’s resurgence has drawn inevitable comparisons to Rossi’s prime, with many arguing that the Spaniard’s raw speed and tactical brilliance surpass even “The Rocket’s” legendary achievements.
The roots of this latest clash trace back to the infamous 2015 season, when Rossi and Marquez’s rivalry reached its nadir during the Sepang race. Rossi’s controversial maneuver, which resulted in Marquez crashing out, cost him a shot at the title and left a permanent scar on their relationship. While Rossi has since retired from racing, his influence remains potent through his VR46 team and his mentorship of Bagnaia, Ducati’s other factory star. However, Bagnaia’s struggles to outshine Marquez this season—trailing by 79 points in the championship—have only amplified the tension between the Rossi and Marquez camps.
Tardozzi’s outburst also reflects Ducati’s fierce loyalty to Marquez, whom he has repeatedly praised for his humility and work ethic. “Marc apologizes to the team when he makes a mistake, but he’s out there fighting for every point,” Tardozzi said, referencing Marquez’s crash at the Americas Grand Prix earlier this year. “He’s a champion who respects the team, unlike some who just point fingers.” The implication was clear: Rossi’s criticisms of Ducati are not only unwarranted but hypocritical, given his own challenges during his time with the team.
As the San Marino Grand Prix looms, the paddock is buzzing with anticipation. Will Rossi respond to Tardozzi’s provocation, or will he let his riders—Bagnaia and VR46’s Luca Marini—do the talking on the track? Marquez, meanwhile, remains focused on extending his championship lead, shrugging off the drama with his trademark intensity. “I race to win, not to argue,” he said yesterday, a subtle but pointed contrast to Rossi’s verbal sparring.
This latest chapter in MotoGP’s most enduring feud has set the stage for a blockbuster weekend at Misano. With Ducati’s dominance, Marquez’s brilliance, and Rossi’s legacy all colliding, the San Marino Grand Prix promises to be as much a battle of words as it is a contest of speed. For now, Tardozzi’s warning to Rossi hangs heavy in the air, a reminder that in MotoGP, respect is earned on the track—not in the press room.
