Paolo Ciabatti is stepping down from his position in Ducati’s MotoGP team to concentrate on the brand’s new off-road venture.
Having served as Ducati’s sporting director since 2014, Paolo Ciabatti is set to transition into a new role in 2024, leading the newly established off-road division for the Italian manufacturer. In his expanded responsibilities, Ciabatti will continue to oversee Ducati’s involvement in circuit racing across various regions, including America, the UK, Japan, Australia, and Italy.
Mauro Grassilli will step into Ciabatti’s shoes as the new sporting director for the MotoGP team. Ciabatti, instrumental in Casey Stoner’s 2007 MotoGP championship victory, witnessed a 15-year winless period before Francesco Bagnaia secured consecutive premier class titles, establishing Ducati as a dominant force in MotoGP.
Despite upcoming concessions rules aimed at promoting competitiveness, Ducati plans to field eight bikes on the 2024 grid, the highest among manufacturers. Bagnaia and Jorge Martin from Pramac, this year’s title contenders, will continue riding the latest-spec Desmosedicis, anticipated to maintain their dominance.
The spotlight, however, will be on Ducati’s new addition, Marc Marquez, an eight-time world champion, who will join Gresini on a 2023-spec bike. While general manager Gigi Dall’Igna and team boss Davide Tardozzi will retain their positions, Ciabatti’s absence marks a notable change in the team’s leadership structure.