Carlo Pernat becomes Pramac Ducati's sporting director

Carlo Pernat has been a presence in the GP paddock for ages, with his long wispy gray hair, permanent sunglasses, and a cigarette always between his fingers, he’s wily, shrewd, gossipy at times and knows the inner workings of teams to the perfection.

He’s primarily been a racing manager, talent scout (does the name Valentino Rossi ring a bell?) and a personal manager/consultant for his adored, but now retired Loris Capirossi and to the late Marco Simoncelli.

Now the Italian manager will be returning to the 2012 paddock with another job, and it is a return to the past after running teams like Gilera in motocross, Cagiva in 500cc and Aprilia as he’ll become Pramac Ducati’s new sporting director who will field sole rider Hector Barbera.

The official announcement should be made in the following days.