There were already speculation that Ducati’s main sponsor, Philip Morris International (Marlboro) was hesitating in renewing their sponsorship with the factory team, and the fact that the tobacco company has decided to cancel the annual Wroom Ski Meeting next year, will only add more fire to the rumors.
Philip Morris has hosted the international meeting at Madonna di Campiglio for the last 23 years to officially present the Ferrari F1 team, and Ducati was added in 2005.
According to Vice President of Marlboro Global Communication & Promotion, Maurizio Arrivabene, the meeting has been cancelled due to the economic crisis, and the cost of holding the event at Madonna di Campiglio is no longer feasible.