- Ferrari
Arrivabene replaces Mattiacci as Ferrari team principal
Ferrari has confirmed Maurizio Arrivabene will replace Marco Mattiacci as team principal with immediate effect.
Arrivabene was vice president of Philip Morris and has been brand ambassador for Marlboro since 2007. Rumours in the Abu Dhabi paddock last weekend suggested such a move was imminent and that Mattiacci would be moved into a more senior role at Ferrari.
Throughout his time at Philip Morris Arrivabene has been closely involved in its partnership with Ferrari. His standing is such that he has been the representative for F1's sponsors on the F1 Commission since 2010. Arrivabene is also a board member at Italian football giants Juventus.
It continues a period of big change at Ferrari, following the news Sebastian Vettel will replace Fernando Alonso in 2015 and the resignation of long-time president Luca di Montezemolo. Ferrari has just completed its first winless campaign since 1993 and new president Sergio Marchionne believes Arrivabene is the right person to lead it back to the top of the sport.
"We decided to appoint Maurizio Arrivabene because, at this historic moment in time for the Scuderia and for Formula One, we need a person with a thorough understanding not just of Ferrari but also of the governance mechanisms and requirements of the sport," Marchionne said. "Maurizio has a unique wealth of knowledge: he has been extremely close to the Scuderia for years and, as a member of the F1 Commission, is also keenly aware of the challenges we are facing.
"He has been a constant source of innovative ideas focused on revitalisation of Formula One. His managerial experience on a highly complex and closely regulated market is also of great importance, and will help him manage and motivate the team. I am delighted to have been able to secure his leadership for our racing activities."
Arrivabene also takes on the official role of Managing Director of Gestione Sportiva. Mattiacci has only been at the helm for seven months after replacing Stefano Domenicali in April. The initial announcement did not confirm his future but seemed to suggest it will be away from Ferrari.
Marchionne added: "We would also like to thank Marco Mattiacci for his service to Ferrari in the last 15 years and we wish him well in his future endeavours."
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