of Rivalry between manufacturers in MotoGP New chapters have been added in the past few days, but this time Off-track, with a distinctive identity accent. The debate over which brands are considered authentically Italian is being fought in public. aprilia and ducatitwo of the paddock’s most famous figures have spoken out following their high-profile remarks at the World Cup.

It all started a few days ago Max BiaggiThe MotoGP legend and Aprilia ambassador told TNT Sports: “I’ve been an Aprilia ambassador for almost 10 years and it’s a great honor to be associated with this manufacturer.To be honest, Aprilia is the only Italian in this paddock. Because we know that Ducati is German with ownership of Audi.. We are very proud of it, Piaggio Group has done an extraordinary job. ” This statement pointed directly to the structure of Borgo Panigale, which is owned by the Volkswagen Group through Audi.

It didn’t take long for Biaggi’s words to resonate within Ducati. From Madonna Di Campiglio, the Ducati Lenovo Team’s official presentation for the new season. Gigi Dall’IgnaCEO of Ducati Corse, said: “Already I saw Massimo Rivola talk more about Ducati than Aprilia in his presentation. Of course I let them make all the considerations they wanted. ”. The Italian engineer thus made the statement in response to previous statements made by Massimo Rivola, CEO of Aprilia Racing, who were very focused on the transfer market.

As Rivola recently pointed out, “Without a doubt, Marc Marquez will remain at Ducati. Pedro Acosta has said that he wants a Ducati no matter what, and they have already become an official team couple.. I can’t say what team Pecco Bagnaia is on, but he is a champion, multiple champions. It intrigues everyone,” he quoted Marc Marquez, Pedro Acosta and Pecco Bagnaia.

he also intervened David Tardozziteam manager of Ducati Lenovo. I wanted to reduce controversy.: “I don’t know if this is the beginning of competition between Italian factories, but Ducati presentation does not mention other brands. “Aprilia spoke to us about Ducati and we just want to say thank you.”

The debate came to a decisive end Claudio Domenicali, Ducati CEOwith a message that is both symbolic and direct: “I have been CEO of Ducati since 2013, and it seems to me that: I have an Italian passport. When you come to Ducati, you will find that 99.97% of the staff are Italian.“Everyone is free to draw their own conclusions.” A few words that make it clear that beyond business ownership, Italian identity continues to be an unalienable source of pride for Borgo Panigale.