Fabiano Sterlacchini will commence his role as technical director for Aprilia Racing at the MotoGP event in Malaysia. His appointment follows the decision of Romano Albesiano to move to Honda. Albesiano will assist Sterlacchini in acclimating to the team dynamics ahead of a major lineup change for next season.
Aprilia Racing has announced the appointment of Fabiano Sterlacchini as the new technical director, who will make his debut with the team at the upcoming MotoGP event in Malaysia. Sterlacchini’s incorporation follows the decision of Romano Albesiano, the current technical chief, to transition to a role at Honda for the next season, while remaining with Aprilia until the end of the 2024 MotoGP season. Although Albesiano will not attend the Thailand Grand Prix, he has agreed to step aside to allow Sterlacchini to acclimate to the team dynamics ahead of his official role. In a statement by Aprilia, the team expressed, “Fabiano will be with us in Malaysia in an observer role, to take notes and start working for the future. [Albesiano] will remain in the Aprilia garage until Sunday in Valencia.” Sterlacchini’s role is vital as he prepares for a new era at Aprilia, which will see the introduction of an entirely new rider lineup, featuring championship leader Jorge Martin and Marco Bezzecchi from Ducati, while Maverick Vinales moves to Tech3 KTM, and Aleix Espargaro transitions to Honda as a test rider. Previously, Sterlacchini had a brief tenure at KTM leading its engineering department before being unable to negotiate a contract renewal. He comes with extensive experience, having spent 17 years at Ducati, where he ultimately served as the MotoGP technical director.
The appointment of Fabiano Sterlacchini as Aprilia’s new technical director comes at a crucial juncture for the team. As the current technical chief, Romano Albesiano prepares to depart for Honda, his interim support for Sterlacchini highlights the need for a seamless transition and preparation for the upcoming season. The MotoGP landscape is witnessing significant changes, with new rider faces and technological advancements playing an essential role in teams’ strategies. Sterlacchini’s extensive background in engineering and technical direction will be pivotal in navigating these shifts and ensuring Aprilia remains competitive.
Fabiano Sterlacchini’s appointment as Aprilia Racing’s technical director marks an important transition for the team as it prepares for a new season with a new rider lineup. His prior experience with KTM and Ducati positions him well to lead Aprilia into a promising future as the team seeks to build on its competitive standings in MotoGP. Albesiano’s continued support during this transition is indicative of the team’s commitment to a smooth handover while maintaining focus on performance and innovation.
Original Source: www.autosport.com
