“UNACCEPTABLE” Davide Tardozzi angrily DEMANDS a ban on Valentino Rossi fans from attending upcoming races after they applauded Marc Márquez’s crash in the San Marino GP Sprint.
In the aftermath of the San Marino GP Sprint, where Marc Márquez dramatically crashed out from the lead, the atmosphere at Misano has turned sharply controversial. Reports claim that a section of Valentino Rossi’s fan base was seen applauding as Márquez slid off the track. The reaction has sparked fury among many in the MotoGP paddock, none more vocally than Davide Tardozzi, the team manager of Ducati Lenovo.
Tardozzi, visibly upset, labelled the behavior “unacceptable,” and made a forceful demand: banning those Rossi supporters from attending upcoming races. He argued that applauding another rider’s crash crosses a line. According to Tardozzi, the spirit of motorcycle racing is rooted in respect—even among fierce rivals—and celebrating the misfortune or danger of a competitor is incompatible with basic sportsmanship.
This isn’t the first time tensions involving Márquez and Rossi’s fan base have escalated. Their rivalry traces back many years, notably to the 2015 season, and has consistently reignited at events where Marquez rides strongly on bikes from Italian manufacturers or where members of the VR46 stable are involved. The emotions run deep among both fans and insiders.
From his vantage, Tardozzi sees the behavior not just as offensive, but dangerous. Crashes in MotoGP aren’t rare — they are intrinsic risks that every rider faces. Applauding a fall, especially one that could have had serious consequences, he believes encourages a culture of schadenfreude, undermining respect for the physical risks riders take.
Some observers pushed back against the demand. They argue that banning fans for cheering—however distasteful it may seem in such moments—would be a difficult precedent to enforce, and potentially divisive. How do you prove someone applauded? How do you differentiate between booing, cheering, or simply reacting under the heat of competition? There are concerns that banning Rossi fans wholesale would further polarize an already fractious fan base. Moreover, freedom of expression—even if controversial—is something many feel should be protected unless it crosses legal or safety boundaries.
Others suggest that instead of blanket bans, MotoGP authorities, promoters, or track marshals could issue warnings, set clear rules about fan behavior, and highlight respect and safety in pre-race communications. Some believe strong messaging from teams and riders—calling for grace, unity, and mutual respect—could achieve more than punitive measures. Marquez himself has displayed poise in response to past chants, boos, or crowd hostility, even when deeply provoked.
As of now, there is no confirmation from MotoGP or race organizers that a ban on Rossi fans is being considered or will be implemented. Tardozzi’s demand has certainly ignited debate: is this moment a turning point for fan conduct in motorcycle racing, or an overreaction driven by heat and emotion?
What is clear is that many in the paddock believe the culture around rivalry and fan behavior needs reflection. The sport thrives on passion, nostalgia, and fierce competition, but also depends on a shared respect for the risks each rider takes every time they lean into a corner. Moments like Márquez’s crash—and the reactions they provoke—force the community to ask: how far is too far?
