(Motorsport-Total.com) – After three decades, it’s over: The current Head of Motorsport Mario Isola is leaving Pirelli in the summer “to face new professional challenges,” as a press release from the company stated on Thursday.
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“The company thanks Mario Isola, who will remain at Pirelli until July 1, for his significant contribution to the development of the Motorsport division, which he carried out with commitment and great passion,” it continues.
Isola himself is not quoted in the press release. The 56-year-old joined Pirelli in 1996 and worked his way up through various positions. Most recently, he was Head of Motorsport and, in this role, also Pirelli’s “face” in Formula 1.
His successor in this position will be Dario Marrafuschi. The Italian has been working for Pirelli since 2008 and was previously under contract with the Ferrari Formula 1 team for almost seven years.
Pirelli stated regarding the appointment: “Marrafuschi, who has been with the company since 2008, has extensive experience in Formula 1 in the field of research and development and has led the development of Pirelli’s road products in recent years.”
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Marrafuschi will take over Isola’s duties as early as March 1. However, Isola himself will remain at Pirelli until July 1 and support his successor “to ensure a smooth and effective transition,” according to Pirelli.
According to information from Motorsport-Total.com, Isola will take over the role of Managing Director at the Italian Automobile Association (ACI Sport) in the future and will thus replace the outgoing Marco Rogano.
Pirelli has been the sole tire supplier for Formula 1 since 2011. The contract was most recently extended in 2023 and now runs until the end of 2027 with the option for a further year.
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