TARDOZZI TURNS TO STONER’S ADVICE IN MARQUEZ’S TITLE PUSH

Ducati team principal Davide Tardozzi says Marc Marquez will need to combine consistency with speed and aggression to secure the 2026 MotoGP title, drawing on advice he says he learned from former Ducati champion Casey Stoner.

Speaking to GPOne at the Austrian Grand Prix, Tardozzi was asked about the seven rounds remaining. He warned that the championship is far from settled, noting that there are “at least a couple of tracks” where Ducati’s rivals have been stronger in recent years. “It won’t be easy. The championship is still wide open, but the situation has become quite complicated,” he said.

Asked what could prove decisive for Marquez, Tardozzi replied: “Definitely consistency, but also speed and aggression. We’ve reached the point where we need to attack.” He then recalled Stoner’s approach to a title campaign: “As the great Casey Stoner taught me, you tackle the first half of the championship with your head and the second half with your heart.”

The advice comes as Ducati faces a challenging stretch after a disappointing result at the Red Bull Ring, a venue traditionally regarded as a strong circuit for the manufacturer. Marquez’s title rival Jorge Martin left Austria with a 12-point advantage ahead of the next round at Motegi.

Martin has taken one Grand Prix victory so far this season, compared with five for Marquez, but his consistency has helped him build the lead. With seven rounds still to come and Ducati acknowledging that some upcoming tracks may suit its competitors better, Tardozzi’s message is that Marquez must now press his attack while continuing to avoid costly setbacks. The championship remains open as the season enters its final phase.