Eleven years after the 2015 Malaysian Grand Prix, one of the biggest rifts in MotoGP history continues to fuel passions. The boos directed at Marc Marquez at some Italian circuits and the reactions of some Valentino Rossi fans show that this rivalry goes far beyond the realm of sport. But for Davide Tardozzi, it's now time to definitively turn the page.
Invited to elaborate on the relationship between Valentino Rossi et Marc Marquez, the team manager Ducati believes that the conflict is now a thing of the past. "What's done is done, but in my opinion, It's time to turn the page on this damn year 2015. »
For Tardozzi, the famous confrontation of Sepang It was born from the clash between two extraordinary personalities. Between two talents like Valentino, who was at the peak of his career, and Marc, who was just starting out but had already won, there was an explosive clash »
The Italian manager refuses on GP One to single out one person responsible. According to him, both riders share responsibility in a rivalry that has profoundly marked MotoGP.
« In my opinion, there were mistakes on both sides. Marc admitted it, Valentino didn't.Without trying to determine who was more or less at fault, it was simply a matter of errors on both sides. »
This statement is far from insignificant. For several years, Marc Marquez readily acknowledges that certain episodes of this rivalry could have been handled differently. Valentino RossiHowever, he never truly changed his interpretation of the events of 2015.
Davide Tardozzi: “ Leaving certain things behind can be a sign of intelligence, foresight, and maturity. »
The paradox is that Valentino Rossi left MotoGP at the end of the 2021 season. However, his opposition with Marc Marquez continues to influence the atmosphere of the championship. Rossi remains omnipresent through his team VR46, while some of his supporters continue to express their hostility towards the Spaniard. The applause that accompanied the fall of Marquez à Misano Last year, they also reminded us that this wound is far from healed.
Conversely, the relationships between Marc Marquez and several pilots from the VR46 Riders Academyas an Francis Bagnaia, turned out to be much calmer than many had imagined.
Davide Tardozzi He makes no secret of his wish to see the two legends eventually reconcile. Two great champions like them should talk. They should collaborate for the good of motorcycle racing"The Ducati team director goes even further." I think it's time to put an end to this quarrel that has been going on for 11 years now. »
He acknowledges, however, that this reconciliation can only happen with the will of both men. I know that this desire exists on one side ; it must also exist on the other side. I've given myself a sort of missionLeaving certain things behind can be a sign of intelligence, foresight, and maturity. »
Beyond the human aspect, the remarks of Davide Tardozzi raise a broader question. MotoGP is entering a new era with Liberty Mediuma new commercial contract until 2031, a major technological upgrade planned for 2027, and a new generation embodied by Pedro Acosta, Ai Ogura or, Fermin Aldeguer.
In this context, continuing to perpetuate a conflict that began more than a decade ago appears less and less in line with the image the championship wishes to build.
However, the ball is not in the court of DucatiAs he himself acknowledges Davide Tardozzia reconciliation between Valentino Rossi et Marc Marquez will only happen if the two men one day decide that the story finally deserves to be closed.
