Davide Tardozzi calls for peace: “It’s time to end the war between Valentino Rossi and Marc Marquez”
More than a decade after the seismic collision at the 2015 Malaysian Grand Prix, the bitter rivalry between Valentino Rossi and Marc Marquez continues to cast a long shadow over MotoGP. The legacy of that infamous Sepang performance is still felt in the grandstands throughout Italy, where Márquez faced the ridicule and hostility of Rossi’s permanent fan base. Ducati’s team manager, Davide Tardozzi, has now made a powerful appeal – calling on both of these giants to finally close this chapter and move on for the good of the sport.
Tardozzi reflected candidly on the enduring hostilities: “What happened, happened, but in my opinion, it’s time to turn the page on that cursed year of 2015.” According to the Ducati boss, the explosive Sepang clash was the inevitable clash of two extraordinary personalities at different points in their careers – Rossi was at his peak, Marquez was already a proven winner in his early years.
Refusing to name any culprit, Tardozzi told GPOne, “In my opinion, there were mistakes on both sides. Marc admitted it, not Valentino. Without trying to determine who was more or less at fault, there were simply mistakes on both sides.” This balanced perspective matters, given that Márquez has repeatedly expressed regret over certain aspects of the rivalry, while Rossi has steadfastly maintained his version of events.
Tardozzi’s words highlight the ongoing impact of this feud. Despite Rossi’s retirement at the end of 2021, his presence is ever-present through the VR46 team, and echoes of 2015 still resonate, as evidenced by the reaction of Rossi’s supporters – most notably, the applause that accompanied Marquez’s crash at Misano last year. Nevertheless, the mood is not universally unfavorable; Tardozzi pointed to the surprisingly friendly relationship that Marquez has built with several VR46 Academy riders, including Francesco Bagnaia.
Eager to see reconciliation between MotoGP’s two most famous personalities, Tardozzi issued a public appeal: “Two great champions like them should talk; they should cooperate for the good of motorcycle racing. I think it’s time to end this feud that has lasted for 11 years.” However, he acknowledged that reconciliation requires the will of both men: “I know the will exists on one side; it must exist on the other side as well. It has become a kind of mission for me. Leaving some things behind can be a sign of intelligence, insight and maturity.”
As MotoGP enters a transformational era – led by Liberty Media, a new commercial agreement until 2031, sweeping technical changes coming in 2027, and a new generation emerging with Pedro Acosta, Ai Ogura and Fermín Aldeguer – the continuation of this long-standing conflict is increasingly out of step with the championship’s evolving identity.
Ultimately, Tardozzi is clear: the power to end this saga does not lie with Ducati or any outside party, but exclusively with Rossi and Marquez themselves. It remains to be seen whether the wounds of 2015 will ultimately heal, but Tardozzi’s call for peace is a rallying cry for MotoGP to unite and move forward into its next chapter.
