Fabiano Sterlacchini will commence his role as technical director at Aprilia Racing during the MotoGP round in Malaysia next week. His appointment follows Romano Albesiano’s decision to join Honda, with Albesiano remaining with Aprilia until Valencia. Sterlacchini’s move comes after a brief period at KTM and a long career at Ducati, allowing him to lead a new era for Aprilia Racing amid significant team changes.
Fabiano Sterlacchini is set to take on the role of technical director at Aprilia Racing, beginning next week at the penultimate round of the 2024 MotoGP season in Malaysia. His appointment comes following the decision of current technical chief Romano Albesiano to transition to Honda after the end of the current season. Albesiano will remain with Aprilia until the conclusion of the Valencia round, but will allow Sterlacchini to assume an observer role in Malaysia, enabling him to acclimate to the team and make preparations for the future. Despite Albesiano’s absence from the upcoming Thailand Grand Prix, Aprilia Racing rider Maverick Vinales has remarked that the team remains focused, stating that operations continue smoothly, reflecting a committed effort toward performance optimization. Sterlacchini’s onboarding marks the beginning of a new strategic direction for Aprilia, who will also unveil a new rider line-up next season, featuring championship leader Jorge Martin and Marco Bezzecchi from Ducati. Prior to joining Aprilia, Sterlacchini held a significant position at KTM, where he led the engineering department. His departure from KTM follows a failed contract renewal, and he brings with him extensive experience from a 17-year tenure at Ducati, where he rose to the rank of MotoGP technical director.
Fabiano Sterlacchini’s appointment as the technical director at Aprilia Racing signifies a crucial reshuffling within the team’s management in preparation for the next MotoGP season. Following Romano Albesiano’s announcement of his move to Honda, Sterlacchini’s transition allows for continuity in technical leadership, enabling him to familiarize himself with the team while ensuring a seamless transition. His prior experience at both KTM and Ducati underscores his credentials, setting the stage for a transformative period for Aprilia as it prepares for a new rider line-up.
In conclusion, Fabiano Sterlacchini’s upcoming role as technical director at Aprilia Racing signals a strategic shift for the team ahead of the 2024 MotoGP season. With an upcoming new rider lineup and a strong foundation in technical leadership, Aprilia is poised to enhance its competitive edge in the championship. Maverick Vinales’ comments highlight the team’s commitment to performance continuity as they navigate these changes.
Original Source: www.autosport.com