Foggy quits Ducati – but where next?

Carl Fogarty is remaining tight-lipped about his future after speaking about his decision to end his long-standing relationship with Ducati today.

He did however admit that his next move will be “the biggest thing that has happened to me in my career”, fuelling speculation that he is about to be announced as the figurehead for Sauber’s rumoured World Superbike project.

It was confirmed earlier this afternoon that Foggy had left his ambassador role for Italian manufacturer Ducati, leaving him free to take up the role as figure head of the new Sauber World Superbike project.

Foggy refused to be drawn on whether he will soon take up a role with Sauber, saying he was “gagged” but he said he had asked Ducati to be released from his contract just one-year into a three-year deal to accept “an unbelievable opportunity.”

Foggy said: “I wasn’t happy in the role I was doing with Ducati and I think they knew that. I felt like a bit of a trophy to be wheeled out at events. That’s not my thing and never has been. I was probably going to sit down with them in the winter anyway and see what could have been done.”

A statement from Ducati earlier today confirmed Foggy had been released from his contract to give him the chance to pursue other interests.

“I can’t say anything but it is a massive opportunity. It would have been impossible for Ducati to have offered me what I am going to.”

Foggy though did admit he left Ducati after a hugely successful career with some sadness.

“The phone call to tell them was really tough, one of the toughest I’ve had to make but I’ve got loads of good friends at Ducati and there will always be contact. But it’s not like they need me anymore as an ambassador because they have got the world champion in Troy Bayliss,” added Foggy.