Paolo Ciabatti, in his role as sporting director, is one of the top figures at Ducati in MotoGP. However, he might reduce his presence in the project from the upcoming season as he’s also involved in the motocross program.
In an interview with MOW Mag, the Italian explained: ‘If we talk about «goodbye», so there’s nothing true. How can you say goodbye to all this? Regardless of the possibility of a new commitment, farewells are another matter. Yes, you can [see me in fewer races in 2024]. It’s no secret that I am focusing on the off-road project that will see Ducati compete in the Motocross World Championship. Motocross was my first big love in this world’.
Acknowledging the weight of commitment in MotoGP, Ciabatti also emphasized that no decisions have been made yet and highlighted Ducati’s capabilities for success even if he eventually steps back: ‘MotoGP, especially this year, was a very heavy commitment. I’m 66 years old; I’m not young anymore, and the rhythms are what they are. But no decisions of any kind have been made yet; everything is in the evaluation phase, so there’s really nothing to say on this matter. We are evaluating, and I’m evaluating, based on the energy still available after so many years. Whatever the direction, however, Ducati has the capabilities, men, and structures to do well’.