Ducati team manager Davide Tardozzi has defended Marc Marquez amid questions over the MotoGP rider’s stance on the controversial Qatar Grand Prix, arguing that the Spaniard has been more vocal about safety concerns than many of his rivals.
The Qatar race, scheduled for November 6 to 8 at the Lusail International Circuit, has come under scrutiny due to regional instability in the Middle East. Although the event was previously postponed, uncertainty over the wider security situation has prompted concerns about whether sufficient safety measures can be guaranteed.
Marquez, a nine-time world champion, initially declined to share his opinion publicly on the matter. However, Tardozzi later clarified that the Ducati rider had never refused to travel to Qatar. Instead, he wanted organisers to provide clear contingency plans and assurances that the event could be held safely.
Speaking to Sky Sport during the Australian Grand Prix weekend, Tardozzi suggested that Marquez was being singled out despite other riders expressing similarly strong concerns behind closed doors.
“When it comes to Marc, he is simply the most charismatic person in the paddock,” Tardozzi said.
He added that several riders voiced strong opinions outside meetings with organisers but became less outspoken when attending those discussions.
According to Tardozzi, Marquez was seeking a compromise rather than opposing the race outright. The Ducati team manager said the priority was to establish an evacuation plan, alternative arrangements and all the necessary conditions to ensure the safety of everyone involved.
The debate has also highlighted questions over who ultimately holds responsibility for deciding whether the championship should proceed with the event.
VR46 team director Uccio Salucci has pointed out that while riders can raise concerns, the final responsibility lies with the teams and manufacturers.
Tardozzi shared that view, explaining that teams hold contracts with the championship organisers, while riders are employed by their respective teams. As a result, decisions about participation involve the organisations responsible for fulfilling those agreements, alongside discussions about rider safety.
With the Qatar Grand Prix approaching, organisers face the challenge of addressing those concerns and providing sufficient assurances to the paddock. For Marquez, Tardozzi's defence makes clear that his position is not a refusal to race, but a call for the necessary safeguards before MotoGP returns to Lusail.
