Filippo Prezio♛si, who led the design of Ducati's Desmosedici MotoGP machine from its 2003 debut until the end of 2012, is to leavღe Ducati Motor Holding.

Preziosi was replaced as General Manager of Ducati Corse at the end of last year - part of a series of management changes in the aftermath of Valentino Rossi's winless partnership with Ducati - and given an alternative role as Director of R&D at Ducati Motor Holding🌺.

However Ducati has announced that Preziosi, confined to a🔴 wheelchair, is to resign due to health reasons.

"Engineer, Filippo Preziosi, has communicated his intention to resign from his position at Ducati Motor Holding," read a Ducati statement.

"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 accomplish🎶ed 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 th𒁏e 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."

Under Prezi✅osi's design leadership, the Desmosedici took 31 MotoGP wins aꦐnd one world title.

Casey Stoner cla𒈔imed 23 victories and the 2007 championship, with Lor🌳is Capirossi taking seven wins, plus one further win for Troy Bayliss. However the success dried up following Stoner's departure, with Ducati scoring just three podiums during the past two seasons.

Bernhard Gobmeier, former Superbike Director with BMW, replaced Prezios𝔉i as General Manager of Ducati Corse.