Marc Marquez, Tardozzi: More Digs at Aprilia and Rivola

Tensions flared after the Qatar Grand Prix between Ducati and Aprilia. Massimo Rivola, CEO of the Noale-based manufacturer, criticized the current points system and called for changes: “It needs to be revised; it’s a fact that four Aprilias aren’t enough to beat Marc Marquez on his own.”

Ducati team manager Davide Tardozzi was quick to respond: “Four Aprilias aren’t enough? Well, there are six Ducatis, and sometimes other Ducatis have won, too. So kudos to them for their excellent bike. But I want to say one thing: it’s the whole package that wins,” according to Gpone.

“Because you need a fast rider—a champion like the one we have—a competitive bike, and a sports and technical management team that works and can put the rider in a position to win the World Championship. So you need the whole package. Including the sports management,” emphasized the Borgo Panigale team executive.

On Marc Marquez’s race: “I believe that Marc right now is not only very fast but also very mature. Today’s race proves it. He adopted a perfect strategy because he knew full well that Bezzecchi, on the medium rear tire, had a better race pace. That’s why he let him go in the early laps and then, halfway through the race, tried to make up as much ground as possible to secure second place. It was a strategy worthy of a great champion, demonstrating his awareness of his own abilities.”