**”Honda Eyes Major Overhaul with Potential Sterlacchini Addition as Espargaro Backs Big Changes”**

Sterlacchini? "I’d be delighted if he joins," "Honda requires significant alterations."

"We’ll find out. I’d be thrilled if he comes."

While not explicitly confirming the speculation about former Ducati and KTM technical manager Fabiano Sterlacchini potentially joining Honda, Aleix Espargaro asserts that HRC is fully dedicated to making necessary changes and improvements.

Espargaro, who is in his eighth and concluding MotoGP season with Aprilia, is set to become a test rider for HRC after this year.

Both Yamaha and Honda, two Japanese manufacturers, are still struggling with poor performance. In response, Yamaha has decided to bring in external help and bolster its operations in Europe.

This involves enlisting the expertise of Marmotors, led by former Formula 1 engine designer Luca Marmorini, as a consultant. Additionally, Dallara is providing guidance on aerodynamics. Key former Ducati employees, such as Max Bartolini, have also been recruited, with Bartolini now overseeing the technical aspects of each race weekend.

Honda, facing the setback of losing their key rider Marc Marquez late last year, has reorganized its senior Japanese leadership and enlisted Kalex to provide chassis consultation.

Significant transformations are reportedly on the horizon, including the establishment of a new design hub in Europe and the potential recruitment of Sterlacchini.

“I’ve had numerous conversations over the past two months with the team at Honda, including all the Japanese engineers,” Espargaro mentioned.

"They are putting in a lot of effort and realize that it's challenging to fall further from their current position, so substantial changes are necessary if they wish to respond effectively."

"They are fully dedicated to taking action and making changes. They understand the necessity of experimenting with entirely new strategies."

Even though he didn't specifically name Sterlacchini, Espargaro commented:

"I understand that it can be unpleasant to recruit engineers from competing companies, but that's how the industry operates…"

Two members of the current Honda MotoGP team, Johann Zarco and Luca Marini, have had previous collaborations with Sterlacchini during their time at Ducati. Repsol Honda rider Marini commented on the rumors about a potential HRC and Sterlacchini partnership, stating, "I don't have any updates on this matter. However, in my opinion, he's an excellent engineer. He has extensive knowledge of Ducati from recent years and understands the project well."

"In KTM, he achieved remarkable feats thanks to the bike's speed. We’ll have to wait and see. If he joins us, I’ll be thrilled."

Honda's leadership is dedicating significant financial resources and considerable time. They are undoubtedly eager to return to their winning ways, and it's possible that Sterlacchini could be a valuable choice in this effort.

"I'll be extremely pleased if he decides to sign."

"At this moment, my priority is to concentrate on improving my own performance on the track. We'll see what the future holds after that."

With 11 out of 20 rounds completed, Fabio Quartararo is the top-ranked rider on a Japanese motorcycle, sitting in 14th place. Meanwhile, Johann Zarco, the leading Honda rider, is positioned 18th in the world championship standings.

Ducati is in the lead among the constructors with 389 points, followed by Aprilia with 208 points and KTM with 194 points. Yamaha and Honda trail behind with 53 and 28 points, respectively.

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