In a gripping analysis of the recent Grand Prix of Brazil, Davide Tardozzi, the team manager of Lenovo Ducati, has laid bare the fierce competition Ducati faces, particularly from the impressive Aprilia team. The Brazilian event was a rollercoaster, featuring a thrilling Sprint Race victory for Marc Márquez, while his teammate Pecco Bagnaia had a weekend to forget, finishing eighth on Saturday and crashing out on Sunday. Amidst this turmoil, Fabio Di Giannantonio shone brightly, securing pole position and clinching two podium finishes, showcasing the potential of Ducati's rising stars.
However, the dominance of Ducati is under siege, with Aprilia's relentless ascent posing a significant threat. Jorge Martín delivered a strong performance, achieving two podiums over the weekend, while Marco Bezzecchi not only finished fourth in the Sprint Race but also triumphed on Sunday, signaling Aprilia's growing prowess on the track. Tardozzi acknowledged this challenge in an interview with Sky, expressing admiration for the Noale-based team’s rapid progress and performance.
Amid whispers of a potential “crisis” within Ducati, Tardozzi urged for calm and patience. He emphasized that their turnaround should be measured from the results in Austin, not from the disappointments in Jerez. “In the tests at Jerez, we will bring something new and see if it helps. Congratulations to Aprilia; they have found Martín very quickly, and Bez is confirming his talent. They truly deserve it,” Tardozzi stated, reflecting on the competitive landscape.
Looking ahead, Tardozzi expressed hope that Ducati will soon be able to compete fiercely with Aprilia. “There’s no doubt that Aprilia has grown, and not just because of Bezzecchi but also from other riders. I believe and hope that starting from the next race, we can fight until the end, even on Sundays,” he declared, showcasing a blend of confidence and determination.
To meet this ambitious goal, Tardozzi revealed that chief engineer Gigi Dall’Igna and his team have pinpointed the areas that need enhancement in light of Aprilia's rapid development. However, he remains optimistic about finding solutions to reclaim Ducati’s supremacy. Yet, it’s clear that Márquez is not yet at full strength, and Bagnaia is still struggling to find his rhythm.
The Brazilian race weekend was marred by uncertainty surrounding the new Goiânia circuit, which posed problems from the outset. The decision to reduce the race by eight laps came just minutes before it was set to begin, adding to the chaos. Tardozzi remarked, “I don’t think Michelin requested the lap reduction; they learned about it at the same time as we did. Moreover, some were informed earlier than others. We were just told verbally on the grid, which leaves us a bit perplexed. This will definitely be a topic of discussion in Austin.”
As Ducati prepares for the next challenge, all eyes will be on their ability to adapt and respond to the rising tide of rivals, particularly the formidable Aprilia. With Tardozzi at the helm, the upcoming races promise to be a thrilling spectacle filled with high stakes and fierce competition.
