The Phillip Island race, which took place a few days ago, also marked an important event within the Ducati Xerox Team. Following a decision taken some time before, Paolo Ciabatti, the Ducati Corse Superbike director, will be leaving the Italian company to embark on a new professional career. Paolo has worked for Ducati since 1997 and has made a major contribution to the growth and the success of the company, as well as to Ducati’s numerous Riders’ and Manufacturers’ title wins in the World Superbike Championship. Paolo Ciabatti wished to be present at the first two rounds of the 2007 championship to hand over to Davide Tardozzi, who from today takes on an increasingly important role within Ducati Corse. “Paolo has represented a lot for Ducati and also for me personally: he has been a loyal and precious colleague, but above all a sincere friend”, commented Claudio Domenicali, Ducati Corse Managing Director. “We are sad that he has decided to leave the company but, in the light of his correctness, professionalism and contribution he has made to the growth and the success of Ducati, we can only wish him all the best for his future professional career”.