Marinelli: Replacing Tardozzi Is a Stimulating Challenge

Following Davide Tardozzi’s announcement he is leaving the Ducati WSBK team, the Italians have chosen Ernesto Marinelli, chief engineer and technical director of the Ducati Xerox Team, to take over the Superbike Project Leader for the Borgo Panigale manufacturer.

Marinelli joined Ducati at the end of 1995 and in 1996 his first role was coordinator for engine assembly in the race department. Having been asked what does he feel about replacing Tardozzi, Marinelli, 36, said he will take it like a challenge and that he will try and do his best.

"On the one hand I'm very sorry, because Davide represents a fundamental part of the Ducati Superbike history and not having him with us is sure to be a big loss. I worked with him for many years, together we collaborated to help this project grow and I learnt a lot from him, both from a personal and professional point of view. On the other hand, it's a big and stimulating challenge and I hope I can do a good job," Marinelli was quoted as saying by worldsbk.com.

“I'll certainly have to have a more global vision but I think I've got clear ideas. Davide always said that an engineer is born an engineer and never changes. I think I'm a flexible person however and I'll try and interpret the new role in this way".

The new project manager also said the team structure will pretty much remain the same, except for the one that will take over the technical director position. "It'll remain the same to guarantee continuity. The only thing that will change will be the arrival of someone new who will take my place as Haga's track engineer,” he said.