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Outgoing Ferrari team principal Stefano Domenicali says he had to take responsibility for the Scuderia's poor performances in the early part of the Formula 1 season.

Ferrari announced on Monday that Domenicali had resigned and would be replaced with immediate effect by Marco Mattiacci, the current president and CEO of Ferrari North America.

Domenicali, who began his career at Ferrari in 1991, said he hoped his decision to step down from the role he has held since 2008 would help re-invigorate the Scuderia, which languishes fifth in the constructors' championship after three races.

"There are special moments that come along in everyone's professional life, when one needs courage to take difficult and agonising decisions," said Domenicali.

"It is time for a significant change. As the boss, I take responsibility for our current situation.

"This decision has been taken with the aim of doing something to shake things up for the good of this group.

"I hope Ferrari will be back where it deserves to be very soon. I only regret that we have been unable to harvest what we worked so hard to sow in recent years."

Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo praised the outgoing team principal for putting the interests of the team above his own.

"I thank Stefano Domenicali, not only for his constant dedication and effort, but also for the great sense of responsibility he has shown, even today, in always putting the interests of Ferrari above all else," di Montezemolo said.

"I hold Domenicali in esteem and I have watched him grow professionally over the 23 years we have worked together. I wish him every success for the future.

"I also wish all the best to Marco Mattiacci, whom I know to be a highly regarded manager and who knows the company well.

"He has accepted this challenge with enthusiasm."