Gian Franco Carloia has been unanimously nominated as the permanent race director for all FIM Superbike/Supersport World Championships and the Superstock FIM Cup events by the FIM-SBK Permanent Bureau.

The 46-year-old, who has been has been working for FGSport since 1993 and a holder of a FIM licence for Clerk of the Course since 2000, has been assistant to the race director since 2001 and FGSport representative in the race direction as from 2004. He replaces Alberto Fantini.

"For such an important task it is essential to have an experienced, capable person, and I am convinced that Gian Franco is the right person," said FIM sports director Ignacio Verneda.

"He has already gained a lot of experience in all these years working as assistant to Alberto Fantini and I have no doubt he will do an excellent job. On behalf of the FIM, I would also like to thank Mr Fantini for his very professional job as race director."

"First of all, I'd like to thank Alberto Fantini for his invaluable contribution to the growth of the FIM Superbike World Championship since the very first event in which FGSport was involved," added Paolo Flammini, CEO of FGSport.

"Now it's time for Gian Franco Carloia to take up this important heritage and responsibility. I'm sure that Gian Franco will do an outstanding job and I wish him the best possible success in his new position."