MotoGP: Paolo Ciabatti named General Manager of Ducati Corse's new Off-Road project

Paolo Ciabatti has stepped down from his role within Ducati’s MotoGP project to focus on the Italian manufacturer’s new Off-Road Division.

Ciabatti has been Sporting Director of Ducati Corse since 2013, returning to the company he first joined in 1997 after a spell on the World Superbike Championship management team. Alongside Gigi Dall’Igna and Davide Tardozzi, he has overseen Ducati’s rise to dominance across both MotoGP and World Superbike paddocks. Ciabatti first joined Ducati in

Pecco Bagnaia (MotoGP) and Alvaro Bautista (WorldSBK) won back-to-back titles in 2022 and 2023, whilst Nicolo Bulega claimed the World Supersport crown this season. Tommy Bridewell (British Superbike) and Ben Currie (British Supersport) also won their respective championships onboard Ducati machinery.

The 66-year-old now takes on the role of General Manager at Ducati Corse Off-Road, as the brand looks to enter Motocross competition in 2024.

Ducati will enter its 450 prototype into national competition before stepping up to the MXGP World Championship and AMA Supercross Championship in the next few years.

Ciabatti won’t be completely absent from the short circuit scene as he’ll retain responsibility for coordinating Ducati’s sporting activities across MotoAmerica, BSB, All Japan Superbike, Australian Superbike and CIV championships.

Mauro Grassilli, formerly Ducati Corse’s marketing and communications director, will take over from Ciabatti. Ducati will continue to field eight bikes in MotoGP next season, with Marc Marquez joining its ranks at Gresini Racing. Franco Morbidelli also joins the army of Desmocedici machines with Pramac Racing.

Bagnaia remains with the factory team alongside Enea Bastianini, with Jorge Martin staying put at Pramac for another season. Alex Marquez will race alongside his brother at Gresini, whilst Marco Bezzecchi has a new teammate at VR46 Ducati with Fabio Di Giannantonio taking the seat vacated by Luca Marini following his move to Repsol Honda.