Marco Mattiacci's brief reign as Ferrari Formula One principal ended yesterday with the troubled Fiat-owned outfit replacing him with Maurizio Arrivabene, the team's third boss in nine months.

The Italian joins from sponsor Philip Morris where he held senior positions in marketing and promotions. He is also an independent board member of Juventus soccer club.

Ferrari chairman Sergio Marchionne said in a statement that the team and Formula One needed "a person with a thorough understanding not just of Ferrari but also of the governance mechanisms and requirements of the sport.

"Maurizio has a unique wealth of knowledge: he has been extremely close to the Scuderia for years and, as a member of the F1 Commission, is also keenly aware of the challenges we are facing," he added. "He has been a constant source of innovative ideas focused on revitalization of Formula One. His managerial experience on a highly complex and closely regulated market is also of great importance."

Mattiacci, who replaced Stefano Domenicali when the principal resigned in April, was parachuted in from Ferrari North America where he was president and chief executive.

The glamor team ended the season without a single race win, for the first time since 1993, and the conclusion of the campaign also saw the departure of double world champion Fernando Alonso. Germany's four-time champion Sebastian Vettel has been signed from Red Bull.

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