Ducati-Marc Marquez: Tardozzi Cautions Ahead of Next Sunday

This coming weekend, Ducati heads to Mandalika for the Indonesian Grand Prix: a track that has been unlucky for reigning world champion Marc Marquez, who has not only never won or stood on the podium there but has also suffered two serious injuries, one of which occurred last season following a crash with Marco Bezzecchi.

This “taboo” track comes at a time when Marc Marquez is battling for the World Championship title against Aprilia riders Jorge Martin and Marco Bezzecchi. Ducati team manager Davide Tardozzi also played it safe in an interview with TNT Sports: “I think losing 10 or 12 points could be considered a positive outcome,” said the manager, who sought to take the pressure off his rider.

“I’d like to say one thing: yes, we can consider that losing 10 or 12 points would be a normal loss at Mandalika, but we’re going there to win,” Tardozzi clarified. Ducati remains confident: over the past three years, three riders from the Borgo Panigale-based team (Bagnaia, Martin, Aldeguer) have won there, and Ducati remains the favorite on this circuit.

“Marc is a leader in the pit. He knows how to motivate people and how to let the team help him,” insisted Tardozzi, convinced that the nine-time world champion can finally break the curse.