As rumoured
during the season-ending Valencia MotoGP weekend, Filippo Preziosi is to move from his position as general manager of Ducati Corse.
The Italian, who has led development of the Desmosedici
MotoGP project since its race-wining 2003 debut, will be replaced by Bernhard Gobmeier, former Superbike Director with BMW.
Preziosi now assumes the position of director of R&D at Ducati Motor Holding.
Meanwhile, Paolo Ciabatti will return to Ducati in the role of
MotoGP Project Director, having worked for World Superbike organiser FG Sport since 2007. Ciabatti was previously Superbike director for Ducati.
The re-organisation follows the recent purchase of Ducati by Audi and two winless seasons for seven time
MotoGP champion
Valentino Rossi at Ducati's
MotoGP team. Rossi is returning to Yamaha in 2013.
A Ducati statement reads:
'Ducati announces the appointment of Bernhard Gobmeier as the new General Manager of Ducati Corse. Utilising his significant experience in the world of motorsport, including more recently his role as Superbike Director with BMW, the position will draw upon the 53-year-old German's extensive managerial experience ready to enter the new phase of development for Ducati's racing activities and to achieve the targets set during the recent acquisition by the Audi Group.
'Mr. Gobmeier will report directly to the CEO of Ducati Motor Holding, Gabriele Del Torchio, and count upon the experience and professional support of Filippo Preziosi.
'Engineer Filippo Preziosi, the current General Manager of Ducati Corse, will now assume the position of Director of Research & Development for Ducati Motor Holding and report directly to Claudio Domenicali, General Manager of Ducati Motor Holding. The prestigious and strategic company role will enable 44-year-old Preziosi to apply the valuable experience of his 18 years in Ducati, 12 of which in Ducati Corse, to the development of new product.
'Paolo Ciabatti (55) has been appointed the new Ducati
MotoGP Project Director. The Italian now returns to the Borgo Panigale headquarters in Bologna to take advantage of his extensive experience in the world of motorcycle competition, which has included coordinating the World Superbike Championship as General Director.
'After two seasons in the position, Engineer Ernesto Marinelli (39), is confirmed to continue as Ducati Superbike Project Director, with the activities of both Marinelli and Ciabatti coordinated by Mr. Gobmeier.
'All appointments will commence from January 2013.