Valencia MotoGP: Ducati poised to announce team boss departure

Ducati is expected to confirm that long-serving team manager Livio Suppo will leave the team after this weekend’s final MotoGP race in Valencia. 

Although nothing has yet been confirmed by the Bologna factory, MCN understands an announcement could be made later on today on the eve of the Valencia GP.

Suppo’s departure will only heighten speculation that he had a major rift with Aussie rider Casey Stoner during the 2009 season.

Rumours that the pair’s previously harmonious relationship had hit meltdown surfaced when the 2007 world champion went on a three-race sabbatical to recover from a mystery illness. 

And it was only recently in Malaysia that Suppo dismissed intense rumours that he was being removed at the end of the season to pave the way for a multi-million pound swoop for Valentino Rossi.

It was rumoured that Suppo would be relieved of his management role in a bid to convince the Italian to quit Yamaha; with sources claiming Rossi won’t even entertain a Ducati switch while Suppo is at the helm.

Suppo also insisted he would stay on despite test rider Vittoriano Gaureschi being promoted to the role of team manager for 2010.

MCN understands Suppo is likely to land a senior management role at Honda next season.