In a year when the contracts of all Ducati riders end, the Borgo Panigale manufacturer made a significant change in its MotoGP team – Paolo Ciabatti left the position of sports director to dedicate himself to 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 be done in the coming months. In his response, he stated: ‘I have known Mauro for many years and he is a friend. Any doubts or help he may need, I will be by his side. It is his responsibility, but he is someone who knows the environment quite well. I will be there if he needs me‘.
As is 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 little what will happen this season. If we end up with Ducati leading as in 2022 and 2023, being the very top winner. We have to see how we end up with the 2024 bike, with the 2023 bike and the development that others have done. […] Riders always prefer to stay or have a contract with a winning brand. That was Ducati last year and I think this year it will also have a top level. But we never know what others will do. And of course, there are only two places in the official team‘.
