Aprilia Appoints Mario Sterlacchini as New Technical Director
In a strategic move to strengthen its engineering prowess, Aprilia Racing has announced the appointment of Mario Sterlacchini as its new Technical Director. Sterlacchini, who brings a wealth of experience from his time at Ducati and Suzuki, is set to play a pivotal role in Aprilia’s ongoing quest for MotoGP success. The appointment underscores Aprilia’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of racing innovation and maintaining its competitive edge in the highly demanding world of premier motorcycle racing.
A Proven Leader in MotoGP Engineering
Mario Sterlacchini is no stranger to the intricacies of the MotoGP paddock. With decades of experience under his belt, he has built a solid reputation for his technical acumen, leadership, and ability to deliver cutting-edge motorcycle performance. Sterlacchini spent 17 years at Ducati, during which he contributed significantly to the development of the Desmosedici GP machine. Ducati’s rise as a formidable competitor during his tenure speaks volumes about his engineering expertise and vision.
Following his stint at Ducati, Sterlacchini joined Suzuki’s MotoGP team, where he played a key role in developing the GSX-RR bike. Under his technical direction, Suzuki experienced a resurgence in the premier class, ultimately clinching the MotoGP World Championship in 2020 with rider Joan Mir. His ability to elevate teams to the highest levels of success has made him one of the most sought-after engineers in the paddock.
A Critical Appointment for Aprilia
Aprilia Racing has made significant strides in MotoGP in recent years. Under the guidance of CEO Massimo Rivola and rider Aleix Espargaró, the Italian manufacturer has developed into a serious contender. Aprilia’s performance during the 2022 and 2023 seasons saw the team regularly battling for podium finishes, with Espargaró securing a historic victory at the 2022 Argentine Grand Prix, marking the first-ever win for Aprilia in the MotoGP era.
However, in the fiercely competitive MotoGP environment, Aprilia’s management understands that staying at the forefront of innovation is crucial. With Sterlacchini’s appointment, the team aims to further optimize the development of its RS-GP machine, which has shown immense potential but still faces challenges in terms of consistency and race-winning performance.
Sterlacchini’s Vision for the Future
Commenting on his new role, Sterlacchini expressed excitement about the opportunity to contribute to Aprilia’s future success. “Aprilia has made remarkable progress in recent years, and the RS-GP is a fantastic project. I’m thrilled to join this talented team and help drive the next phase of development. We have the tools and the vision to achieve great things.”
For Aprilia, Sterlacchini’s arrival marks a significant step in their bid to challenge the dominant forces of MotoGP. His technical knowledge, combined with the momentum that the team has already built, could propel Aprilia into a new era of success on the world stage.
As the 2024 MotoGP season approaches, all eyes will be on Aprilia and its new technical director to see how Sterlacchini’s influence will shape the future of the team. With his track record of success, there is every reason to believe that Aprilia is poised for an exciting journey ahead.