Fabiano Sterlacchini to Assume Role as Aprilia Technical Director in Malaysia
Fabiano Sterlacchini is set to become Aprilia Racing’s new technical director in Malaysia next week after leaving KTM. His first appearance will take place during the penultimate round of the 2024 MotoGP season. Currently, Romano Albesiano will step back to facilitate Sterlacchini’s transition as he prepares for an upcoming new season with a completely new rider lineup.
Fabiano Sterlacchini is set to assume his new role as technical director for Aprilia Racing in Malaysia next week, following a departure from KTM. His inaugural appearance with the team will take place at the penultimate round of the 2024 MotoGP season. Aprilia officially announced Sterlacchini’s appointment after the confirmation that the current technical chief, Romano Albesiano, will transition to Honda next season. Though Albesiano is expected to remain with Aprilia throughout the current MotoGP season, he has agreed to step back from his duties to allow Sterlacchini to acclimate while observing operations at the Malaysia race and preparing for the Valencia finale. In light of Albesiano’s absence as the team travels to the Thailand Grand Prix, rider Maverick Vinales commented, “The truth is that I haven’t noticed anything strange… Romano’s commitment has remained intact.” With Sterlacchini’s imminent arrival, he will establish the foundation for a new era at Aprilia, which will see a completely revamped lineup next season, featuring Jorge Martin and Marco Bezzecchi, who will be joining from Ducati. Vinales is expected to join the Tech3 KTM squad, while Aleix Espargaro will assume a test rider role at Honda following his retirement from active racing. Sterlacchini, who previously led KTM’s engineering department since June 2021, is now making a significant career move after KTM opted not to extend his contract. Before his tenure at KTM, he dedicated 17 years to Ducati, ultimately rising to the position of MotoGP technical director.
The appointment of Fabiano Sterlacchini as technical director for Aprilia Racing signifies a strategic shift at the Italian manufacturer as they prepare for a new season with an entirely new rider lineup. This transition comes on the heels of Romano Albesiano’s planned departure to Honda, emphasizing a period of change for Aprilia Racing amidst the competitive landscape of MotoGP. Sterlacchini’s experience with both KTM and Ducati is expected to be pivotal as he steers Aprilia into the next chapter of its motorsport endeavors.
In summary, Fabiano Sterlacchini will begin his role as Aprilia Racing’s technical director in Malaysia, succeeding Romano Albesiano, who is moving to Honda. Sterlacchini’s experience in the racing world, especially his prior roles at KTM and Ducati, positions him well to lead the team into a new era alongside an updated roster of riders. The transition maintains operational stability within the team as both Albesiano and Sterlacchini work together in the final races of the current season.
Original Source: www.autosport.com
