Domenicali steps downposted in F114 | 04 | 2014
FERRARI F1 TEAM principal, Stefano Domenicali (pictured) has stepped from his roll with immediate effect. He has been replaced by Marco Mattiacci, the president and CEO of Ferrari North America.
Domenicali's decision comes after Ferrari's disappointing start to the 2014 season, which has has left both Fernando Alonso and Kimi Raikkonen without a podium finish.
"There are special moments that come along in everyone's professional life, when one needs courage to take difficult and agonising decisions," Domenicali said today.
"It's time for a significant change. As the boss, I take responsibility for our current situation.
"This decision has been taken with the aim of doing something to shake things up for the good of this group.
Related: Lewis Hamilton wins Bahrain thriller
"I hope Ferrari will be back where it deserves to be very soon. I only regret that we have been unable to harvest what we worked so hard to sow in recent years."
The outgoing team principa, was also praised by Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo for putting the interests of the team above his own.
"I thank Stefano Domenicali, not only for his constant dedication and effort," di Montezemolo said, "but also for the great sense of responsibility he has shown, even today, in always putting the interests of Ferrari above all else.
"I hold Domenicali in esteem and I have watched him grow professionally over the 23 years we have worked together. I wish him every success for the future.
Related: Lewis Hamilton dominates Malaysian GP
"I also wish all the best to Marco Mattiacci, whom I know to be a highly regarded manager and who knows the company well.
"He has accepted this challenge with enthusiasm."
Domenicali had been team principal at Ferrari since 2008, having previously worked for the Maranello-based outfit in administration and human resources roles, before becoming its sporting director.
During his tenure, though the team won the constructors' championship in his first year in charge, Ferrari has failed to win the coveted drivers' title.
It did though come close. In 2008, Felipe Massa only lost the title in 2008 at the final corner, while Alonso lost out in title showdowns in 2010 and 2012 to Sebastian Vettel.
Related: Gregor Ramsay joins Lotus F1 Junior Team
Keep up-to-date with all the latest news by following us on twitter.com/scotcars
Jim McGill