Raul Fernandez questions Aprilia's decision to replace their Technical Director for the 2025 MotoGP season.
At the start of the Japanese Grand Prix weekend, it was announced that Aprilia Racing would have a new Technical Director for the 2025 season.
The Italian manufacturer has hired Fabiano Sterlacchini to become their new Technical Director. The Italian has experience working with Ducati and KTM throughout his time in MotoGP.
Aprilia had to sign a new Technical Director after they let Romano Albesiano walk away to become Technical Director at Honda Racing Corporation in 2025.
Trackhouse Racing rider, Raul Fernandez, has previous experience working with Sterlacchini. However, he does not understand why Aprilia thinks this change will bring any benefits.
Fernandez began by questioning Aprilia's decision: "Will it have an impact on the company?
"It's amazing how many moves are taking place in the various teams in view of 2025. Only three or four riders will be followed by the same group, but as for the technicians, I think only one engineer will remain in his place and all the others will leave.
"For me it is hard to accept Romano's farewell, I had a good relationship with him and he did a good job in the company. He is one of the people who most allowed the project to grow, so I am really bitter.
"The replacement, Fabiano Sterlacchini, I know him from the KTM era, but I don't know how this will lead to improvement. We are already at the limit and we should pay attention to the small details."
Fernandez and Aprilia had a difficult Saturday at the Japanese Grand Prix. The Spanish rider ended the Sprint Race in 11th place, over 14 seconds behind Francesco Bagnaia.
Only one Aprilia rider ended up inside the top ten with Maverick Vinales in ninth place. Aleix Espargaro, who will also be at Honda Racing Corporation in 2025, ended his day with a crash. With the Aprilia Test Rider, Lorenzo Savadori, in 17th place.
