Fabiano Sterlacchini to Assume Aprilia Technical Director Position in Malaysia

Fabiano Sterlacchini will officially assume the role of Technical Director for Aprilia Racing at the upcoming MotoGP event in Malaysia, following his departure from KTM. His appointment comes alongside significant changes within the team, including the transition of Romano Albesiano to Honda and an entirely new rider lineup for 2024. Maverick Vinales expresses confidence in the seamless operations during this transitional period.

Fabiano Sterlacchini is set to commence his role as the new Technical Director for Aprilia Racing at the penultimate round of the 2024 MotoGP season in Malaysia. Following his departure from KTM, Sterlacchini’s appointment was confirmed by Aprilia earlier this month, coinciding with the announcement that the current technical chief, Romano Albesiano, will transition to Honda next season. Despite Albesiano’s pending departure, he will continue to support the team until the end of the 2024 season while allowing Sterlacchini to acclimate to his new environment in Sepang and the subsequent race in Valencia. In a statement, the team indicated, “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.” Despite Albesiano’s absence from the Thailand Grand Prix, rider Maverick Vinales remarked that operations remain unaffected, stating, “The truth is that I haven’t noticed anything strange. We are always looking for every last screw to make the bike work at 120 percent. Albesiano continues working as always.” Sterlacchini’s arrival is timed to align with significant changes within the team, as Aprilia gears up to welcome a new rider lineup that features current MotoGP championship leader Jorge Martin and Marco Bezzecchi, both moving from Ducati. Meanwhile, Vinales will shift to the Tech3 KTM squad, with Aleix Espargaro planning a role as a test rider for Honda post-retirement from racing. Sterlacchini’s brief tenure with KTM began in June 2021, overseeing the engineering department, but a contract renewal could not be secured, prompting his exit. Prior to his stint at KTM, Sterlacchini honed his expertise at Ducati for 17 years, culminating in his appointment as the MotoGP technical director.

The article discusses the recent staffing changes within Aprilia Racing, specifically the appointment of Fabiano Sterlacchini as the new Technical Director. It provides insights into the strategic movements within the team, including the departure of Romano Albesiano to Honda and the new rider line-up for the upcoming MotoGP season. Further, it highlights Sterlacchini’s previous experiences with both KTM and Ducati, emphasizing his qualifications for the role as Aprilia prepares for a new competitive season.

In conclusion, Fabiano Sterlacchini’s upcoming role as Technical Director at Aprilia Racing marks a pivotal moment for the team, allowing for essential preparations leading into the 2024 MotoGP season. With significant rider changes and an ongoing commitment from both Sterlacchini and Albesiano, Aprilia aims to enhance its competitive edge as it transitions into a new era. Vinales’ affirmation of stability within the team during this transition further underscores a focused approach towards next season.

Original Source: www.autosport.com