Tardozzi says team management matters as much as Marquez

Ducati team manager Davide Tardozzi has responded to Aprilia Racing CEO Massimo Rivola after the Qatar Grand Prix. Rivola had said four Aprilias were not enough to beat Marc Marquez. Tardozzi pointed out that Ducati has six riders and that other Ducatis have won too, adding that success depends on the whole package.

Tardozzi said a winning package needs a fast rider, a competitive bike and a sporting and technical management team able to put the rider in a position to win the championship. His comments were seen as a broader point about Aprilia's own management.

Tardozzi also praised Marquez's race in Lusail. He said the Spaniard did not chase Marco Bezzecchi, who dominated the Grand Prix, and instead managed his race intelligently to recover ground and secure second place.