Motorsport boss Isola to leave Pirelli

Pirelli’s head of motorsport Mario Isola will leave the tire manufacturer in July, handing over duties to Dario Marrafuschi on March 1.

Isola (pictured above) has been in charge of Pirelli’s motorsport activities for the past 10 years after taking over from Paul Hembery, often fulfilling the role of the company’s representative within Formula 1. Ahead of the start of the new F1 season in Australia next weekend, Pirelli has announced that Marrafuschi – who was most recently head of product – will replace his fellow Italian, with a handover period taking place over the following four months.

“Pirelli announces that, effective March 1, Dario Marrafuschi will become Head of Pirelli’s Motorsport Business Unit replacing Mario Isola who will provide support until July 1st to ensure a smooth and effective transition,” a Pirelli statement read. “Isola will then leave the company to pursue new professional challenges.

“Marrafuschi, who joined the company in 2008, has extensive experience in Formula 1 in the Research and Development area and in recent years has headed the development of Pirelli’s road products. Like Isola, Marrafuschi will report to Giovanni Tronchetti Provera, Executive Vice President of Sustainability, New Mobility & Motorsport.

“The company wishes to thank Mario Isola for the dedication and great passion with which he has contributed to the growth of the motorsport business unit over the years.”

Although F1 is Pirelli’s flagship series – the current F1 contract runs until the end of the 2027 season, with an option in place for Pirelli to continue in its role for 2028 – Marrafuschi’s responsibilities will extend across all forms of motorsport.

The Italian manufacturers supplies tires in more than 350 competitions, including single-seaters – such as Formula 2, Formula 3, F1 Academy, Formula Regional and Formula 4 championships – GT and rally. In motorcycle racing it also operates as sole supplier in Moto2 and Moto3, as well as WorldSBK.