With just two races left in the 2024 MotoGP season, Ducati Team Principal Davide Tardozzi is gearing up for a high-stakes showdown in Malaysia, where Jorge Martin could clinch the championship title.
In a press conference ahead of the race, Tardozzi defended Ducati’s leading riders, Pecco Bagnaia and Jorge Martin, asserting they are on par with past legends like Valentino Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo.
“I have total respect for champions like Rossi and Lorenzo. But people underestimate Pecco and Martin,” Tardozzi shared. “The past champions belong to another era, but today, Martin, Bagnaia, and Marc Marquez represent this era’s elite. They ride these bikes with unmatched precision, and I think they are on the same level as the greats of the past.”
As tensions build toward the championship finish line, Tardozzi highlighted the importance of mental resilience. Reflecting on his years in the sport, he noted, “What I’ve learned over the years is that drivers often need not what they ask for, but what they truly need in these moments. The mental aspect is crucial, and as a manager, having the right perspective and approach to communicating with them during this phase is essential.”
With Malaysia representing a critical juncture, Tardozzi’s experience and strategic approach are set to play a key role in supporting Ducati’s title aspirations. As Martin races to secure his first MotoGP championship, Ducati’s top riders will have the seasoned guidance and belief of Tardozzi, who sees them as champions of the modern era.
