Marinelli to replace Tardozzi at Ducati Xerox

Ernesto Marinelli will be promoted to the role of Ducati Xerox manager following the decision by Davide Tardozzi to quit the title-winning team after ten years in charge.

Tardozzi last week confirmed that he is planning to step down from his position in the year that he oversaw Ducati win its 16th manufacturers' title at Superbike level.

In total, Tardozzi helmed 16 World Superbike titles since joining as team manager in 1999, but his decision to leave has led to the manufacturer to promote from within with Marinelli moving up from his role as technical director.

"Davide has been part of Ducati's recent history", said Claudio Domenicali, General Director of Ducati, "a friend and, at the same time, an important presence that has allowed Ducati to achieve significant successes, particularly in the World Superbike Championship where, in recent years, he has project managed with passion, competence and professionalism.

"We are sorry to announce that Davide will not be part of the 2010 team but, at the same time, we wish him our very best wishes for the new challenges that await him, and thank him for the many years of service during which we have won and lost together."

Joining MotoGP manager Livio Suppo in quitting the Italian team, Tardozzi's new plans are yet to be confirmed, with official word from Ducati stating that he is seeking 'new professional challenges'.