Davide Tardozzi confident in Bagnaia and Marquez’s partnership

Ducati dismisses Valentino Rossi's influence on Bagnaia and Marquez.

Davide Tardozzi of Ducati Team looks on in the box during the Thailand MotoGP Test at Chang International Circuit on February 13, 2025, in Buriram, Thailand. Photo by Mirco Lazzari/Getty Images

By Randy Ahmad and Yuni Utomo

Ducati Lenovo Team Manager Davide Tardozzi has made it clear that his team is unconcerned about speculation that Valentino Rossi could create tension between Francesco Bagnaia and Marc Marquez in MotoGP 2025. According to Tardozzi, despite Rossi’s close relationship with Bagnaia, it will not affect Ducati’s factory team dynamics.

Recent speculation suggests that Rossi, as Bagnaia’s mentor and founder of the VR46 Academy, could disrupt the partnership between Ducati’s top riders. The theory stems from Rossi’s long-standing rivalry with Marquez, which dates back to their intense battles in the premier class. Even after Rossi’s retirement in 2021, his relationship with Marquez remained strained.

However, Ducati remains unfazed by these rumors. Tardozzi is confident that Bagnaia operates independently, making decisions based on his own judgment rather than external influences, including Rossi’s.

Bagnaia makes decisions without Rossi’s influence

Tardozzi acknowledged that Bagnaia and Rossi share a strong bond, with the nine-time world champion likely offering occasional advice. However, he firmly believes that Bagnaia follows his own instincts and does not let external opinions dictate his approach.

"Not at all," Tardozzi responded when asked whether Rossi could interfere with Bagnaia and Marquez’s relationship. "Because Pecco only thinks about himself," he said in an interview with Motosan on Saturday, February 22, 2025.

Tardozzi elaborated on Bagnaia’s independence within the VR46 Academy, explaining that the reigning MotoGP champion expresses his own views rather than echoing those around him.

"I know the VR46 team well. There, Pecco says what he thinks, not what others want to hear," he added.

"Rossi and the people close to him have their own thoughts. Pecco only shares some and not all. He has his own considerations, and that’s why he follows his thoughts more," Tardozzi emphasized.

Bagnaia and Marquez united in Ducati’s MotoGP 2025 strategy

Despite initial concerns about their partnership, Bagnaia and Marquez have so far demonstrated a strong working relationship. Their alignment on key decisions, particularly regarding Ducati’s 2025 bike selection, showcases their mutual understanding.

Both riders concluded that the Desmosedici GP25 was not competitive enough following pre-season testing. As a result, they unanimously opted to use the proven GP24 engine for the 2025 season.

This decision highlights their commitment to Ducati’s success rather than any personal rivalries. By working together to optimize their equipment, Bagnaia and Marquez have reinforced the stability of Ducati’s factory team.

With the 2025 season approaching, Ducati remains focused on performance rather than off-track speculation. Whether the partnership between Bagnaia and Marquez remains harmonious throughout the year will be a key storyline in the MotoGP championship fight.

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