Ducati’s MotoGP Team Witness Departure of Sporting Director Ciabatti
Sporting Director Paolo Ciabatti Expands Role at Ducati
In a surprising move, the 66-year-old sporting director of Ducati, Paolo Ciabatti, is set to take on a new challenge within the renowned Italian brand. Having joined Ducati as MotoGP project director and later serving as Superbike programme director before becoming sporting director in 2014, Ciabatti has played an integral role in the team’s success over the years.
Ciabatti witnessed Ducati’s rise to dominance in MotoGP, starting with Casey Stoner’s triumph in 2007 and culminating with Francesco Bagnaia’s championship victory in 2022. Under his guidance, Ducati achieved remarkable milestones during the 2023 season. They clinched a record-breaking seventeen out of twenty grands prix victories, swept the top three spots in the riders’ standings led by Bagnaia himself, secured both constructors’ and teams’ championships alongside Pramac Racing. Furthermore, they successfully defended their World Superbike title with Alvaro Bautista for two consecutive years.
Now embarking on a new venture within Ducati, Ciabatti will assume the position of general manager for their upcoming off-road division. This newly formed division is specifically geared towards motocross competition and will make its debut from 2024 onwards. The initial plan involves entering their innovative 450 prototype into national competitions next year before progressively transitioning to international events such as MXGP World Championship and AMA Supercross Championship.
Despite taking up this fresh responsibility within off-road racing for Ducati enthusiasts worldwide to anticipate eagerly, fans can still expect Ciabatti’s presence in the road racing division. He will continue to coordinate and oversee Ducati’s involvement in various prestigious competitions, including MotoAmerica, British Superbikes, All Japan Superbike series, Australian Superbike Championship, and the CIV series in Italy.
Changes Within Ducati Team for 2024 Season
Ciabatti’s transition marks another significant change within the Ducati team as they head into the highly anticipated 2024 season. Previously trusted engineer Massimo Bartolini recently accepted an offer to become Yamaha’s technical director, further reshaping the team structure under Gigi Dall’Igna’s leadership.
Ducati remains committed to fielding a strong contingent of eight bikes in MotoGP for 2024. Leading their factory squad is Francesco Bagnaia who aims to secure his third championship title after fending off Jorge Martin from Pramac Racing last season. However, next year brings about a major shake-up within Ducati as Marc Marquez – an eight-time grand prix motorcycle world champion – joins Gresini Ducati.