Ducati boss Davide Tardozzi has strongly condemned the booing of Marc Marquez after his victory in the 2025 Mugello Sprint, calling the reactions unsportsmanlike and linked to the 2015 tensions between Marquez and Valentino Rossi. He called for closure, believing the blame to lie 50/50 at the time, and called for reconciliation between the two champions to promote positive messages.
The 2025 Italian Grand Prix Sprint delivered a resounding victory to Marc Marquez, author of a spectacular comeback after a difficult start. But under the podium of the Mugello, the applause was mixed with loud boos, coming from a part of the Italian public who continue to blame him for the events of 2015, linked to his indirect rivalry with Valentino Rossi.
Davide Tardozzi, team director Ducati, did not let this attitude pass. Questioned by Sky Sport, he strongly condemned this hostility: " Unsportsmanlike behavior is no longer justifiable, I think it is even more linked to the events of ten years ago. I think it is time to turn the page and look to the future, especially for Marc and Valentino, and to send positive messages »
Tardozzi, visibly affected by the scene, even tried to silence the whistles at the side of the track, as can be seen in the live footage. He wanted to remind people of the fair play shown by other fans present on the Tuscan circuit: " Marc had an exceptional race; I really appreciated those who shouted “Pecco, Pecco” under the podium, even though he hadn’t won »
Davide Tardozzi: “ I would like Vale and Marc to shake hands »
As for those who don't like the Spanish driver, Tardozzi sends them a clear message: “ If you don't like Marc, don't applaud him, but the whistling, in my opinion, is absolutely unsportsmanlike. »
Asked about the origin of the historical tension, the Italian leader does not seek to rewrite history, but to overcome resentment: "I don't want to relive the episode from ten years ago, whose fault is it? For me, it's 50/50, but after all this time, two super champions like Vale and Marc should look to the future and I would like them to shake hands, because the past is irreversible »
Beyond the sporting result, this Mugello Sprint has therefore rekindled an old rift in the hearts of the tifosi. But for Ducati and its leaders, the message is clear: the past is in the past. It's time to celebrate sport, not grudges.
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MotoGP Sprint Race Italian GP
MotoGP general classification
