It's official now. The new course has finally begun:
http://www.motomatters.com/press_release/2013/10/10/ducati_press_release_gigi_dall_igna_to_r.html
http://www.gpone.com/en/2013101011759/Dall-Igna-Direttore-Generale-Ducati.html
I think it's good, albeit not so much for Aprilia...