In a year where all Ducati riders’ contracts expire, the Borgo Panigale manufacturer made a significant change in its MotoGP team – Paolo Ciabatti stepped down as sporting director to focus on the Off-Road project, being replaced by Mauro Grassilli.
In an interview with the website Motosan.es, Ciabatti was asked about the timing of this succession when there will be contract management to do in the coming months. In response, he stated: ‘I have known Mauro for many years, and he is a friend. Any doubt or help he may need, I will be by his side. It is his responsibility, but he is a person who knows the environment quite well. I will be there if he needs me’.
As known, with its three satellite teams, Ducati has several young riders who aspire to make the leap to the factory team. Ciabatti commented: ‘We have to see a bit what will happen this season. If we finish with Ducati leading as in 2022 and 2023, being the very super winner. We have to see how we finish with the 2024 bike, with the 2023 one and the development that others have made. […]. Riders always prefer to stay or have a contract with a winning brand. That was Ducati last year, and I think this year will also have a top-level. But we never know what others will do. And, of course, there are only two places in the factory team’.