P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Veteran Aprilia MotoGP tech chief Romano Albesiano is heading to Honda – and has been replaced by Fabiano Sterlacchini at his previous employer.
There will be a significant reshuffling of backroom staff at two MotoGP factories before the 2025 season, as Romano Albesiano, the long-time engineering chief at Aprilia, leaves to become Honda’s new technical boss. Albesiano, who played a crucial role in Aprilia’s rise in MotoGP, will be succeeded by Fabiano Sterlacchini, previously with Ducati and KTM. Throughout his tenure, Albesiano was instrumental in evolving Aprilia from a back-of-the-grid team to a strong contender in the championship, focusing notably on aerodynamics development. Aleix Espargaro, Aprilia’s top rider, will continue under Albesiano’s influence, while Sterlacchini’s move to Aprilia coincides with the arrival of new riders Jorge Martin and Marco Bezzecchi for 2025. Honda, on the other hand, will see Ken Kawauchi transition to its test team to accommodate Albesiano, marking the first time a European engineer takes a senior role at the historically Japanese brand, following a trend set by Yamaha. This series of changes reflects a dynamic period of transformation and adaptation within the MotoGP paddock.
