Davide Tardozzi on Bagnaia in 2027: Pecco will be a problem for us

Marc Márquez has extended his contract with Ducati Lenovo by two years. Following intensive discussions, the MotoGP World Champion and the Reds have agreed terms for 2027 and 2028. This follows a long spell of injuries for the Spaniard. Although he has not yet fully recovered, Marquez feels fit enough to look to the future with determination.

One person who is delighted with the new agreement with the nine-time champion is Ducati Lenovo team manager Davide Tardozzi. “We are very happy that Marc will be with us for the next two years as well. Ever since the first test in Barcelona in 2024, he has shown us what he is like as a person and as a rider. It was very easy for both parties to agree to continue working together,” said the Italian in an interview with colleagues at motogp.com.

Was there a point in recent months when there was a chance that Márquez might not sign? “He was concerned about his health, but we never doubted him. He was always very honest with us and always kept us informed about what he was doing with the medical staff in Madrid. We were always kept informed,” Tardozzi explained.

Tardozzi on Acosta: “We think Pedro is one of the most talented young riders in this paddock”

Marc Marquez’s team-mate next year will be Pedro Acosta. Why did they choose the young Spaniard? “Because we think Pedro is one of the most talented young riders in this paddock,” was Tardozzi’s reply. “If you look at what he’s shown since the start of his career in the Rookies Cup, Moto3 and Moto2 – it’s been fantastic. Unfortunately, he hasn’t yet been able to replicate those results from the earlier classes in MotoGP – but he will do so.”

What did Marquez say about the deal with Acosta? “When we told him we were signing Pedro, he clapped his hands and told us we’d made the right decision,” said Tardozzi. How difficult will it be for him, as team manager, to keep two such big personalities in check? “I’m already managing two great champions, as Pecco is one of them too. We’re very happy to have this strong team for the next two years.”

Tardozzi on Bagnaia: “It’ll be fun to have him as an opponent next year”

Pecco Bagnaia will be leaving Ducati at the end of this season. Next year, he’ll be riding an Aprilia. After eight years, has the time come to go our separate ways? “We’ve built up a personal relationship with Pecco over the last eight years. It’ll be fun to have him as an opponent next year. We know that Pecco will be a ‘problem’ for us. He’s a very fast rider,” Tardozzi said with a smile. “In the end, we’ll always keep him in our hearts. He’s won two world championships and finished as runner-up twice with us. He has racked up 31 GP wins and 63 podium finishes – he’s the Ducati rider with the most wins. But Pecco isn’t just a good and talented rider for Ducati; he’s a very good friend – and that won’t change in the future.”