This just in from Ducati:

Engineer Filippo Preziosi resigns from Ducati Motor Holding

For reasons of poor health, Filippo Preziosi has taken the decision to resign his position

The company thanks him for 19 years of outstanding professional service

The now vacant position of Ducati Motor Holding Director of R&D to be announced

Borgo Panigale, (Bologna, Italy) 28 February 2013 - Engineer, Filippo Preziosi, has communicated his intention to resign from his position at Ducati Motor Holding.

Declaring reasons of poor health related to his particular physical condition, Preziosi's resignation was accepted by Ducati, saddened and disappointed to lose such an accomplished and strategic member of staff. The company respectfully acknowledges the 45-year old Italian's decision and thanks him for his significant contribution during his 19 years with Ducati, 12 of which were within Ducati Corse.

Previously occupying the role of General Manager of Ducati Corse, Preziosi, was appointed Director of Research and Development of Ducati Motor Holding at the end of 2012 and was to start his new role after a period of rest. An announcement of the successor to this strategic role, now left vacant by the resignation, will be communicated in due course.