Ducati has dominated MotoGP for several seasons, but Davide Tardozzi is already looking ahead to 2027. With the arrival of the new 850cc MotoGP bikes, the factory team manager believes the hierarchy could be significantly reshuffled. And among all the potential rivals, one name stands out: Fabio Quartararo. For the Ducati boss, the Frenchman possesses exceptional talent. If Honda manages to build a competitive machine around him, he could once again become Borgo Panigale's main rival.
Asked by Misterhelmet, Davide Tardozzi He made no secret of the immense esteem he holds for the 2021 world champion. Fabio Quartararo is a super, super, incredibly talented rider who, if it is managed in the right waycan cause problems… and big problems. »
The choice of words is revealing. At DucatiNo one underestimates the Frenchman's potential, despite several seasons spent struggling with a Yamaha unable to consistently compete with the best bikes on the grid.
Since 2022, the results of fabio quartararo have sometimes masked his true level. Yet, within the paddock, his reputation has remained intact. All the engineers know that the Frenchman continues to extract performance that the YZR-M1 should no longer be capable of delivering, particularly on a flying lap or during braking phases where his riding remains a benchmark.
His difficulties do not stem from a drop in skill level, but from the technical limitations of Yamaha This is precisely what fuels the fears of Tardozzi.
The passage of Quarterly in Honda The 2027 edition comes at the perfect time. MotoGP is about to enter a new era with 850cc engines, simplified aerodynamics and the disappearance of ride height adjustment devices.
All these changes offer manufacturers a unique opportunity to start afresh on almost entirely new foundations. Honda hopes to relive what Ducati had succeeded in the early 2020s: building a motorcycle around a coherent technical project before gradually returning to the top.
The deciding factor will not be Quartararo, but Honda.
If this reconstruction works, Quarterly He could find a machine worthy of his talent. Future MotoGP bikes should also put the rider more at the heart of performance. With less aerodynamic downforce, less powerful motorcycles, and the elimination of certain technical aids, pure riding skill will regain greater importance.
Davide Tardozzi However, it shows no signs of excessive concern. It points out that Ducati will still have an exceptional squad for the next two seasons. We have a really, really strong team. " With Marc Marquez, Pedro AcostaWith its satellite teams and a technical organization that remains the current benchmark, Borgo Panigale still has strong arguments in its favor. Tardozzi rejects all forms of complacency.
The remarks of the boss of Ducati ultimately recall the 2021 and 2022 seasons. In 2021, Quarterly had resisted the return of Francis Bagnaia to offer to Yamaha his first title since Jorge LorenzoThe following year, bagnaia was taking its revenge after a spectacular comeback.
Since then, this rivalry has gradually faded away. Yamaha having lost touch with the best bikes on the grid. The transfer of Quarterly in Honda could offer it a second life.
Basically, Davide Tardozzi never questions the level of fabio quartararoThe only unknown factor concerns the motorcycle he will be riding. This is perfectly summarized by his analysis: the determining factor will not be QuarterlyMore HondaIf the Japanese manufacturer succeeds in its technological revolution of 2027, Ducati He already knows which rider is likely to come back and challenge him for the world title. And when this warning comes from the boss of the team that currently dominates MotoGP, it deserves to be taken seriously.
