“HE WON BY CHEATING” Tardozzi made accusations aimed directly at Alex Marquez after his victory at the Catalunya GP when he said Gresini used an illegal engine, causing Nadia Padovani to immediately speak up 👇👇
The Catalunya Grand Prix delivered one of the most dramatic moments of the 2025 MotoGP season, not only because Alex Marquez claimed an emotional victory that ended his brother Marc Marquez’s unbeaten run, but also because the aftermath was overshadowed by heavy accusations of cheating. Davide Tardozzi, the experienced Ducati Lenovo Team manager, ignited controversy by directly accusing Alex Marquez and the Gresini Racing team of using an illegal engine configuration. His statement, delivered just hours after the podium ceremony, has sent shockwaves through the paddock and forced Gresini’s team principal Nadia Padovani to defend her squad publicly.
Tardozzi did not mince his words when speaking to Italian media, declaring bluntly: “He won because of cheating. There is no other explanation for the way Alex managed to maintain such a pace over Marc, especially in the final laps. We believe Gresini exploited a power unit configuration that is not compliant with the regulations.” He argued that Alex’s GP23 bike displayed performance characteristics inconsistent with the limitations set for customer teams, hinting at a manipulation of the ECU mapping or even the possibility of unauthorized internal modifications.
The remarks immediately sparked debate, especially as the Catalunya GP had already been one of the most anticipated rounds of the season. Marc Marquez, who had been on a flawless winning streak in 2025, was finally beaten on track by his younger brother. Many fans and analysts praised Alex’s consistency and determination, particularly after he crashed out of the Sprint race on Saturday while leading. His comeback on Sunday seemed like a redemption story, but Tardozzi’s comments threatened to tarnish the achievement.
Within hours, social media exploded with divided opinions. Some Ducati supporters echoed Tardozzi’s suspicions, pointing to the unusual top speed data recorded from Alex’s bike. Others, however, accused Tardozzi of being a sore loser and attempting to delegitimize one of the most popular wins of the season. Former riders and pundits also weighed in, with some reminding fans that performance swings can occur due to tire management, track conditions, or riding style.
Facing mounting pressure, Nadia Padovani, the widow of Fausto Gresini and the current principal of Gresini Racing, felt compelled to issue a strong response. In an official statement released late Sunday evening, she said: “These accusations are completely unfounded and deeply disrespectful. Our team has always competed with integrity, and Alex’s victory is the result of hard work, talent, and resilience. To suggest otherwise without evidence is an insult not only to Alex but to the entire Gresini family.” She also confirmed that Gresini would fully cooperate with any technical inspections conducted by MotoGP authorities.
Indeed, Dorna and the FIM Technical Commission now find themselves under pressure to act. Rumors suggest that a full post-race investigation may be launched to inspect Alex Marquez’s bike in detail, including data logs and engine components. While no formal protest has been lodged yet by Ducati Lenovo, insiders claim the team is considering its legal options. If an infringement were proven, the consequences could be severe, including disqualification from the race or even points deductions for the season.
However, many in the paddock doubt the likelihood of such an outcome. One anonymous team manager commented: “Every time a satellite team beats a factory outfit, there are whispers. But unless someone can produce concrete proof, these are just mind games. Ducati cannot expect to dominate forever, and Alex rode brilliantly today.”
For Alex Marquez himself, the situation is bittersweet. The Spaniard had been visibly emotional on the podium, dedicating the win to his team and fans after a challenging season filled with injuries and near misses. When asked about Tardozzi’s accusation, Alex appeared disappointed but defiant: “I know what I did on the track. I fought with everything I had, and I won fair and square. If people want to believe otherwise, that’s their choice. I will keep my focus on racing.”
As the MotoGP circus prepares to move on to the next round, the controversy shows no signs of cooling down. Fans are already speculating whether Ducati’s protest is a strategic ploy to unsettle Gresini and Alex ahead of crucial races in the championship fight. For now, the Catalunya GP will be remembered not only as the race where Marc Marquez’s winning streak ended, but also as the spark of a scandal that could shape the narrative of the entire 2025 season.
What remains clear is that MotoGP has once again proven itself to be as much about politics and mind games as it is about pure speed. Whether Tardozzi’s claims hold any truth, or whether this is simply another chapter in the intense rivalry between factory and satellite teams, only time and technical scrutiny will tell. Until then, the paddock remains divided, and the shadow of suspicion lingers over what should have been Alex Marquez’s most glorious moment.
