In a stunning turn of events, Ducati’s reign of dominance has hit a significant roadblock as the Italian powerhouse failed to secure a podium finish for the first time in 88 races at the recent Thai Grand Prix. The team could only celebrate a third-place finish by Fabio Di Giannantonio in Brazil, leaving fans wondering what has gone wrong with a squad that has consistently been at the top of the MotoGP hierarchy. In stark contrast, Aprilia’s Marco Bezzecchi and Jorge Martín have taken the spotlight, showcasing their prowess and leaving Ducati trailing in their wake.
Amidst this turmoil, Davide Tardozzi, Ducati’s team manager, took the opportunity to address the pressing concerns surrounding the team during an exclusive conversation in the paddock of Goiania. He expressed his admiration for Aprilia’s impressive progress, acknowledging their hard work over the past season. “First of all, congratulations to Aprilia, they have worked really well since last year,” Tardozzi noted. “I think since the middle of last season, they have shown great competitiveness. They have taken a significant step forward, so we can only congratulate them.”
While acknowledging Aprilia’s advancements, Tardozzi highlighted areas where Ducati is lagging. He reassured fans that Gigi Dall’Igna, Ducati’s technical guru, has been diligently working to close the gap. “It’s clear that Aprilia has done a great job, and it won’t be easy for us,” he admitted. The upcoming race in Austin is anticipated to reveal the true capabilities of Ducati and their star rider, Marc Márquez.
Yet, Tardozzi remains cautiously optimistic. “I believe Aprilia will continue to be competitive in Austin, but I’m confident that Ducati will be closer. We know the issues we’re facing, and we are actively seeking solutions,” he stated. However, the shadow of Márquez’s physical condition looms large over the team. The Catalan rider, recovering from a painful shoulder injury sustained last year, is not yet at peak performance. “Right now, we have a Marc who is not at a hundred percent physically, but this is not an excuse as the other Ducatis are behind. We cannot always rely on Marc’s talent to fix our problems,” Tardozzi emphasized.
This reality hits hard, especially since Márquez is known for his relentless drive and work ethic. “Marc is not at a hundred percent, but like all great champions, he doesn’t complain about it; he just works hard to bring home the best possible results,” Tardozzi reflected. The situation is equally challenging for Pecco Bagnaia, who faced an unfortunate crash early in the race in Brazil. Tardozzi attributed his misfortune to a lack of confidence, stemming from a qualifying error that left him unprepared for the race.
“These two races have been very tough for us; they’ve taught us a lot. We are no longer alone on the track; our competitors have significantly improved, and now we must prove that Ducati can overcome the disadvantages we’ve faced,” Tardozzi concluded. As the MotoGP season progresses, Ducati must rally to reclaim their position among the elite, or risk being overshadowed by the relentless rise of Aprilia. With the next races on the horizon, the pressure is on for Ducati to deliver and regain their former glory.
