Fabiano Sterlacchini to Assume Aprilia Technical Director Role in Malaysia

Fabiano Sterlacchini will begin his role as technical director for Aprilia Racing next week in Malaysia, following his departure from KTM. His appointment comes as Romano Albesiano steps back to support his transition and will guide Aprilia through the penultimate round of the 2024 MotoGP season. Sterlacchini’s arrival is anticipated to lay the groundwork for an updated team structure, featuring new riders for the upcoming season.

Fabiano Sterlacchini is set to commence his role as technical director for Aprilia Racing starting next week, following his departure from KTM. His first appearance with the team will take place during the penultimate round of the 2024 MotoGP season in Malaysia. Earlier this month, Aprilia officially announced Sterlacchini’s appointment, which comes as Romano Albesiano, the current technical chief, prepares to transition to Honda in the next season. Although Albesiano will remain with Aprilia through the conclusion of the 2024 MotoGP season, he has agreed to step back from his role to facilitate Sterlacchini’s acclimatization in Sepang and during the Valencia finale. In a team statement, Aprilia indicated that “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.” This announcement follows Albesiano’s choice not to accompany the team to the Thailand Grand Prix this weekend. Despite Albesiano’s absence, Aprilia Racing rider Maverick Vinales affirmed 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. I don’t know when Sterlacchini will come; I can only say that since it was announced in Japan that he will leave next year, Romano’s commitment has remained intact.” Sterlacchini’s imminent arrival in Sepang offers a crucial opportunity to lay the foundation for a new chapter in the Aprilia factory team, which will introduce an entirely revamped line-up featuring championship leader Jorge Martin and Marco Bezzecchi, both joining from Ducati. Vinales is slated to transition to the Tech3 KTM squad, while Aleix Espargaro is expected to move to Honda as a test rider following his retirement from racing. Having joined KTM in June 2021 to lead its engineering department, Sterlacchini is now leaving the Austrian brand after a brief period, as they were unable to reach an agreement for the renewal of his contract. Before his time at KTM, he dedicated 17 years to Ducati, ascending to the position of MotoGP technical director.

The article discusses the significant transition occurring within Aprilia Racing as Fabiano Sterlacchini steps in as technical director. Following the departure of Romano Albesiano to Honda, Sterlacchini’s role is critical as he prepares to lead the team into a new season with a revised lineup of riders. This change comes on the heels of a broader restructuring within the MotoGP landscape, with teams navigating new pairings and strategies.

In summary, Fabiano Sterlacchini’s appointment as technical director at Aprilia Racing represents a pivotal moment for the team as they transition into the 2024 MotoGP season. His presence during the Malaysian round is intended to equip him with insights necessary for future success, especially with new riders joining the team. Albesiano’s commitment to a smooth handover further emphasizes the strategic nature of these changes within Aprilia.

Original Source: www.autosport.com