Fabiano Sterlacchini Hailed as Architect of Aprilia's MotoGP Resurgence

Aprilia’s ascent to the forefront of MotoGP has been significantly influenced by the expertise and strategic direction of its Technical Director, Fabiano Sterlacchini, according to riders Marco Bezzecchi and Raul Fernandez. Sterlacchini’s arrival at Aprilia at the close of the 2024 season marked a pivotal moment for the team, injecting a wealth of knowledge and experience gleaned from successful tenures at KTM and, most notably, Ducati.

Sterlacchini’s background is deeply rooted in the competitive world of motorcycle racing. Before joining Aprilia, he spent considerable time at Ducati, where he worked closely with General Manager Gigi Dall’Igna, a key figure in Ducati’s own racing successes. This collaboration provided Sterlacchini with invaluable insights into advanced motorcycle engineering and team management, which he has since applied to his role at Aprilia.

Under Sterlacchini’s guidance, Aprilia has experienced its most successful season in MotoGP to date. The team has secured victories at prestigious grands prix in Britain and Australia and has risen to second place in the manufacturers’ standings, trailing only Ducati. This performance underscores the significant improvements made to the Aprilia RS-GP motorcycle, which has benefited from Sterlacchini’s technical acumen.

The Aprilia RS-GP has shown consistent performance across various tracks, addressing previous weaknesses, such as heat dissipation in Asian venues. This improved consistency has allowed Aprilia’s riders to compete more effectively, translating into tangible results on the track.

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Marco Bezzecchi, a factory Aprilia rider, has emphasized Sterlacchini’s intelligence, extensive experience, and approachable demeanor as crucial factors in the team’s advancements throughout the 2025 season. Bezzecchi, who has achieved four race victories, highlighted Sterlacchini’s ability to connect with team members on multiple levels, which has fostered a positive and productive environment.

"First of all, he is a super intelligent person—not just on the motorbikes side, but in general; you can speak about everything, and he knows many, many things," Bezzecchi noted. "This is super cool because having a conversation outside of racing is super nice with him."

Bezzecchi further elaborated on Sterlacchini’s impact on the team’s racing performance, stating, "In terms of racing, his know-how is super big, and he has a lot of experience. He is also a nice character, so he doesn’t put you in a difficult situation. When I speak sometimes with some [other] engineers, I feel [I know] a bit less than them in terms of knowledge. With Fabiano, it is super different; it’s amazing to stay with him."

Sterlacchini’s calm and professional approach has also been a significant asset to the team. "He has a lot of experience, he’s super calm and super professional, and I feel very good with him," Bezzecchi added, underscoring the positive rapport within the Aprilia team.

Raul Fernandez, currently riding for Trackhouse, also spoke highly of Sterlacchini’s influence. Fernandez first encountered Sterlacchini’s work in 2022 when he joined MotoGP with Tech3 KTM. This season, with Sterlacchini’s direct involvement, Fernandez secured his first MotoGP victory at the Australian Grand Prix.

"It was a little bit strange at the beginning because I had the possibility to work with him at KTM when I just came to MotoGP, but we didn’t really work together," Fernandez explained. "This year, at the beginning of the season, I didn’t have enough time to work with him because of my injury, but during the last GPs, he was the person helping me to make the last step to arrive at this kind of position."

Fernandez emphasized Sterlacchini’s personal impact on his performance. "I am super happy to work with him. It’s true that he is a super good person. But also in my case, he helped me a lot, especially in the last moment when I had to make the final step," Fernandez stated, highlighting Sterlacchini’s role in his recent success.

Aprilia’s achievements in the 2025 season reflect a strategic shift and investment in technical expertise. The recruitment of Sterlacchini is part of a broader effort to enhance the team’s capabilities and compete at the highest level of MotoGP. Aprilia’s management has openly stated its ambition to challenge for the MotoGP title by 2026, signaling a long-term commitment to the sport.

The improvements to the RS-GP motorcycle have been central to Aprilia’s success. The bike has evolved into a competitive machine, capable of challenging Ducati and other leading manufacturers. This transformation is attributed to Sterlacchini’s technical leadership and the collaborative efforts of the entire Aprilia team.

Looking ahead, Aprilia aims to build on its current momentum and further refine its motorcycle technology. The team is focused on addressing any remaining weaknesses and optimizing the RS-GP for various track conditions. This continuous improvement is essential for maintaining competitiveness in the highly demanding environment of MotoGP.

Aprilia’s recent performances have not only boosted the team’s morale but have also attracted attention from sponsors and fans. The team’s growing success has increased its visibility and solidified its position as a major player in MotoGP.

The contributions of key individuals like Sterlacchini highlight the importance of technical expertise and strategic planning in achieving success in motorsports. His influence extends beyond mere technical adjustments, fostering a collaborative team environment that encourages innovation and performance.

Aprilia’s progress in MotoGP underscores the competitive nature of the sport and the ongoing quest for technological advancement. The team’s ability to adapt and improve has been critical to its recent success, and it remains focused on achieving its long-term goals in MotoGP.

As the MotoGP season progresses, Aprilia’s performance will be closely monitored by fans and competitors alike. The team’s ongoing development and its pursuit of excellence reflect its commitment to becoming a dominant force in the world of motorcycle racing.

In summary, Fabiano Sterlacchini’s role as Technical Director has been instrumental in Aprilia’s resurgence in MotoGP. His expertise, leadership, and ability to foster a positive team environment have contributed to the team’s recent successes, positioning Aprilia as a strong contender in the championship. The insights of riders Marco Bezzecchi and Raul Fernandez further underscore the significant impact Sterlacchini has had on the team’s performance and overall competitiveness.