World Superbike and GP legend Pier-Francesco Chili has taken up the managerial reins at Guandalini Ducati and will mastermind Brendan Roberts’ 2009 title assault.

The ex-Ducati man will be responsible for both honorary Brit Roberts and team-mate Jakub Smrz, who returns to the team for a second year aboard a customer Ducati 1098R.

The Italian had turned his attention to media and commentating for Italian television this season but always looked as though he would rather be at the business end of the paddock.

"I am happy to join the Guandalini Racing team. I’ve been working with them in their team headquarters for some time now. Commentating on what the others were doing wasn’t entirely satisfactory for someone like me, I prefer to be involved in things directly and I find this job really stimulating," said Chili.