Ducati team manager to run Rossi's Moto3 team

Ducati MotoGP team manager Vittoriano Guareschi is to leave the squad and run Valentino Rossi's new Moto3 team.

A statement has been released by Rossi's 'VR46' company confirming the appointment, however Ducati are yet to comment.

Former racer and MotoGP test rider Guareschi has been at Ducati for 13 years, being promoted to team manager in 2009.

Although present during Rossi's disappointing two-year spell at Ducati, Guareschi remained on good terms with the seven time MotoGP champion and is valued for his experience as both a rider and manager.

Rossi's new Moto3 team will have backing from Sky Italia and use KTM machinery. Romano Fenati has been signed as one of its riders.

Ducati meanwhile is in the midst of a major re-organisation in the post-Rossi era, with Aprilia racing boss Gigi Dall'Igna recently poached to become the new general manager of Ducati Corse.

Cal Crutchlow will join Andrea Dovizioso at Ducati's factory team next season.