As the 2025 MotoGP season roars toward the French Grand Prix at Le Mans, the Ducati Lenovo Team finds itself at the center of a whirlwind of intrigue, both on and off the track. The latest bombshell comes from Ducati team manager Davide Tardozzi, who has ignited headlines with a surprising statement about six-time MotoGP champion Marc Marquez and his girlfriend, Gemma Pinto. With Marquez dominating the 2025 season and tensions simmering within the team, Tardozzi’s comments have added a new layer of drama to an already electrifying championship narrative.
The French Grand Prix, set for May 2025, is a pivotal moment in the MotoGP calendar, and all eyes are on Marquez, who has been nothing short of sensational this season. Riding the factory Ducati Desmosedici GP25, the Spaniard has clinched seven victories in eight races, including a commanding performance at the Qatar Grand Prix, where he extended his championship lead to 22 points over his brother, Alex Marquez. His seamless adaptation to Ducati’s machinery, following a challenging tenure with Honda and a transitional year with Gresini Racing, has solidified his status as the rider to beat. However, it’s not just Marquez’s on-track exploits that are making waves—Tardozzi’s recent remarks about Marquez and Pinto have sent shockwaves through the paddock.
In a press conference ahead of the French Grand Prix, Tardozzi, known for his candid and occasionally provocative style, made a cryptic comment that has sparked widespread speculation. “Marc is unstoppable on the bike, but Gemma is the one keeping him grounded off it,” Tardozzi said, before adding with a sly grin, “She’s practically part of the team now—maybe we should put her in the garage for strategy!” While the statement was delivered with a touch of humor, it has raised eyebrows, with many interpreting it as a subtle acknowledgment of Pinto’s influence on Marquez’s mental and emotional stability. The comment also hints at the tight-knit dynamic within the Ducati camp, where personal relationships are increasingly visible in the high-stakes world of MotoGP.
Gemma Pinto, a 27-year-old Catalan model and influencer, has been a constant presence at Marquez’s side since mid-2023. Her role in his life has been widely credited with helping him navigate the tumultuous years following his injury-plagued stint at Honda. In 2023, Ducati CEO Claudio Domenicali described Marquez as being in a “trough,” a sentiment echoed by former teammate Dani Pedrosa, who noted personal challenges affecting Marquez’s morale. Pinto’s arrival coincided with a remarkable turnaround, with Marquez himself admitting, “To be fast and succeed in your professional life, you have to be happy and stable in your private life.” Her integration into the Ducati fold was highlighted during a lighthearted “Italian exam” in Austin, orchestrated by Tardozzi, where Pinto charmed the team with her wit and enthusiasm, even earning praise from Pecco Bagnaia’s wife, Domizia Castagnini.
Tardozzi’s statement, however, has not been without controversy. Some insiders speculate that it could exacerbate existing tensions within the team, particularly with reigning champion Francesco “Pecco” Bagnaia. The Italian, who trails Marquez by 31 points in the standings, has already expressed frustration over Marquez’s reported higher salary, a point of contention that underscores the competitive undercurrents in the Ducati garage. Bagnaia, who secured his first win of the season at Austin after Marquez’s rare crash, is under pressure to reclaim his dominance, especially at Le Mans, a track where he has historically excelled. Tardozzi’s public focus on Marquez and Pinto could be perceived as favoritism, potentially straining the delicate balance between Ducati’s two superstar riders.
The French Grand Prix will be a critical test of Ducati’s ability to manage this dynamic. Le Mans, with its tight corners and unpredictable weather, demands precision and mental fortitude—qualities Marquez has in spades but which Bagnaia is equally capable of delivering. Off the track, Pinto’s presence in the paddock is likely to draw attention, especially after Tardozzi’s remarks. Her growing popularity, evidenced by her 4 million social media followers and endorsements with brands like Estrella Galicia, has made her a fixture in MotoGP’s glamorous orbit, amplifying the spotlight on Marquez’s personal life.
As the championship battle intensifies, Tardozzi’s statement serves as a reminder of the human element behind MotoGP’s high-speed drama. Marquez’s resurgence, bolstered by Pinto’s support, has redefined his career, while Ducati’s gamble on a Marquez-Bagnaia lineup promises fireworks. Will Tardozzi’s words inspire Marquez to dominate at Le Mans, or will they fuel Bagnaia’s determination to steal the spotlight? One thing is certain: the French Grand Prix will be as much a spectacle of personalities as it is of speed.
