MotoGP, Italy: Marquez booed, Tardozzi like a firefighter, Ducati under pressure, return to a Mugello in fusion

Mugello was abuzz, and Marc Marquez made his mark, albeit not without a few ripples. Ducati icon Davide Tardozzi issued a vibrant plea to fans: support the brand, no matter the rider! A powerful message, but Marquez knows that the fans' love isn't earned solely on the track. His talent is undeniable, but he's never sought to please at all costs, preferring the challenges that forge his legend.

Le Mugello, the sacred land of MotoGP, has not escaped the storm. And at the center of this storm: Marc Marquez. Winner of the SprintThe Spaniard's celebration turned into a minor scandal. Boos, whistles, and tension in the stands. The Tuscan public doesn't forget easily. And above all, it doesn't forgive everything.

While Pecco Bagnaia received loud applause for simply coming to say hello, Marc took a step toward the stands... then backed away. Lucidly, he understood that this was not the time to play the hero. He contented himself with a half-smile. No need to do more: the message had been received.

But a man stood between the pilot and the booing: Davide TardozziIn emergency mode of red hearts, the team director Ducati stood under the stands, red jersey in front, to remind people of a simple, almost naive thing: « Marc is a Ducati rider. If you support Ducati, you should support him too. »

But riding a Ducati doesn't guarantee love.

A daring, almost kamikaze gesture, but one that touched Marc. The day after, Marquez responded with class – and a touch of well-intentioned irony: “ Thanks, Davide. I understand that we support Pecco, he's the local idol, it's beautiful. But whistling just because my name is Marquez, or because a flag is Spanish? That's not MotoGP, that's not MotoGP. »

And to get the message across without adding fuel to the fire, the number 93 opted for a clever move: planting a Ducati flag under the stands, at the Jorge Lorenzo 2018No 93 flag, no provocation. Just a statement: " I am one of you now »

But let's be honest: driving a Ducati does not guarantee love. And the wounds of 2015 have not healed, especially in Italy. Some do not forget, and the number 93 remains for them the symbol of a historic betrayal.

Si Marquez had come to Ducati In 2017, perhaps forgiveness would have had time to mature. But he preferred to play it safe. Today, he must face a hostility he did not choose... and which he understands.

Because deep down, the public doesn't just applaud talent, it also likes courageous choices. And Marquez, until now, has rarely chosen the path of popular redemption. He traces his path, cold, calculating, formidable. What's important for a champion is something else. " he concluded. And he's right. But in the stands, it's not always the champion who gets cheered. It's the one who dares to be vulnerable.

Race classification MotoGP Mugello

Championship standings after the Italian Grand Prix: