Aprilia’s Bold Move: Fabiano Sterlacchini to Spearhead Technical Direction in 2025, Future Stars Martin and Bezzecchi React

Upcoming colleagues Jorge Martin and Marco Bezzecchi share their thoughts on Aprilia's incoming technical director.

Fabiano Sterlacchini is set to become part of Aprilia by 2025.

The recruitment of Fabiano Sterlacchini as the technical director for the 2025 MotoGP season marks a significant shift deemed essential for the Italian maker, Aprilia.

Before joining KTM in 2021, Sterlacchini had spent 17 years at Ducati, where he occupied the position of technical director.

Earlier in the year, it was announced by KTM that Sterlacchini had left the Austrian company, and by summer, there were reports of him having in-depth discussions with Honda.

Nonetheless, during the Japanese Grand Prix on Friday, Aprilia revealed that it had appointed Sterlacchini to take over from Romano Albesiano, who is moving to Honda, as its technical director.

Jorge Martin, set to team up with Aprilia in the coming year, lacks direct experience collaborating with Sterlacchini yet commended his recruitment.

"Well, I'm at a loss for words," he remarked.

"We're going to hold off until we reach Valencia, and then I'll begin my collaboration with Fabiano. The shift appears to have really inspired everyone, so I'm genuinely pleased they made that decision."

"However, the outcome will be clearer post-Valencia. He hasn't been a part of my team. Undoubtedly, his performance at KTM was commendable. His extensive experience with both Ducati and KTM indicates that his expertise would significantly benefit Aprilia."

Marco Bezzecchi, who is set to be Martin's team-mate, shared, "I never got the chance to have a personal conversation with him."

"In any case, I'm aware that he's an exceptionally kind engineer who has contributed some impressive work at both Ducati and KTM."

"I'm pleased for them, and I'm excited about his involvement in the project. It's currently at the forefront of my thoughts."

"At the moment, I'm not sure how valuable my perspective is given that I'm quite concentrated on my current task."

"In any case, it's positive news from my perspective. I believe they are highly motivated and eager to advance and compete for top spots."

"They possess a high level of enthusiasm, which I see as a good thing. Therefore, I plan to approach the situation with that same level of eagerness."

Aleix Espargaro, presently racing for Aprilia, set to become a test rider for Honda, mentions that Albesiano's departure will significantly impact the Noale-based team. However, he points out the team "requires a significant transformation," and believes Sterlacchini is the "major enhancement" necessary for this change.

"Clearly, it's a significant setback, as I believe that with additional time and reflection, we'll come to appreciate Romano's accomplishments during his tenure at Aprilia even more," he stated.

"The experience has been incredible. Thus, a tip of the hat to his work. However, I also believe that Aprilia requires a significant transformation.

This represents a significant uplift for the entire team in Noale. They're switching up their riders, bringing in new crew chiefs, and will also welcome a new technical director.

"Thus, Aprilia is looking at one or possibly two steps forward for their future, and I'm pleased because it's necessary for them."

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