Mario Isola leaves Pirelli Motorsport management, Dario Marrafuschi replaces him

The Italian is leaving his position but will remain with the manufacturer until July 1st before taking on "new professional challenges." He is replaced by Dario Marrafuschi, formerly product manager at Pirelli.

Published 26/02/2026 à 13:32

Cyprien Juilhard

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Mario Isola leaves Pirelli Motorsport management, Dario Marrafuschi replaces him

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He was present in the Bahrain paddock, and nothing suggested that such an announcement would emerge just days after the end of preseason testing. Mario Isola will no longer be the director of Pirelli Motorsport, a position he has held since November 2021. After 30 years with the manufacturer in various roles, the Italian will explore new horizons.

"The company thanks Mario Isola, who will remain with Pirelli until July 1st, for his significant contribution to the development of the Motorsport division, carried out with commitment and great passion." "Pirelli shared in a statement.

Effective March 1st, Dario Marrafuschi will take the reins of Pirelli Motorsport with the support of Mario Isola, who will ensure a smooth transition until July 1st. Marrafuschi, formerly product director, will report to Giovanni Tronchetti Provera, Executive Vice President in charge of Sustainability, New Mobility and Motorsport.

Dario Marrafuschi has been with the company since 2008. "has extensive experience in Formula 1 in the field of Research and Development and recently led the development of Pirelli's road products," continues the manufacturer, who "wishes to thank Mario Isola for the dedication and great passion with which he has contributed, over the years, to the growth of the Motorsport division."

This change of direction comes at the start of a crucial season for Pirelli, which this year must develop narrower tires for entirely new Formula 1 cars. For the sole tire supplier in Formula 1, this represents a colossal challenge, particularly due to the switch to a 50% electric motor, which profoundly alters how tires perform.

ALSO READ > Pirelli plans to test its rain tires in the heart of the Bahrain desert.

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1 Comment (s)

Yves-Henri RANDIER

26/02/2026 at 09:04 a.m.

New horizons... perhaps with a random Asian competitor?

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