Marmorini ‘in danger’ at Ferrari (3rd Update)

UPDATE #3 We already rumored this three weeks ago, but finally today Ferrari has confirmed that the head of its engine and electronics department, Luca Marmorini, has left the team.

Marmorini's job has been in doubt since the start of the year when it became clear that the Ferrari power unit was not a match for rivals Mercedes.

"Ferrari announces that, as of today, Luca Marmorini, director of the engine and electronics department, is leaving the company," read a team statement on Thursday. "As part of the restructuring of the Power Unit department, Mattia Binotto will assume the role of chief operating officer."

Marmorini's departure follows Stefano Domenicali's resignation as team principal in April and the appointment of Marco Mattiacci as his replacement. The team confirmed that technical director James Allison remains ultimately responsible for car design.

"James Allison, technical director, continues to be responsible for the entire car project, supported by Nikolas Tombazis, chief designer chassis, and Lorenzo Sassi, chief designer power unit."

07/11/14 This rumor is upgraded to 'fact' now. Marmorini is gone from Ferrari.

07/05/14 Ferrari have refused to comment on a report in Italy that engine chief Luca Marmorini has left the team.

Corriere dello Sport reported that the 52-year-old, who has overseen the design and development of the Scuderia’s V6 turbo, has departed – a response, seemingly, to their underwhelming performances so far this year.

Speaking at Silverstone, a Ferrari spokesman said: “I have no comment to make on this. We are re-organizing several areas of our structure and when we’re ready to make an announcement, we’ll let you know."

If Marmorini has indeed left, he will be the second big name to depart Maranello after Team Principal Stefano Domenicali headed for the exit in April.

07/04/14 (GMM) Yet another big name could be set for the Ferrari axe.

After the fabled Italian team's poor start to the new turbo V6 era, team boss Stefano Domenicali was replaced as team boss by Marco Mattiacci.

And the latest reports indicate that Ferrari could be tempting former technical director Ross Brawn back to Maranello with a EUR 5m per season offer.

But that might happen only after more red-uniformed heads roll.

Italy's Autosprint reports that Luca Marmorini, Ferrari's engine chief, is "in danger" of being ousted.

Correspondent Alberto Antonini said that if the rumors are true, Marmorini's younger deputy Mattia Mariz would step in.