Yamaha is reportedly setting its sights on Fabiano Sterlacchini, the Italian technician currently serving as technical director at Aprilia Racing. This move comes after Yamaha was reported to have secured Jorge Martin and Ai Ogura for the 2027 season, highlighting the Japanese manufacturer's ambition to return to the front.
The news was first revealed by former MotoGP rider Marco Melandri on his YouTube channel, Chiacchiere da Box. In the show, which reviews MotoGP and Formula 1 action every week, Melandri mentioned that Sterlacchini is on Yamaha's radar.
“I heard that Fabiano Sterlacchini is highly sought after and on Yamaha's radar for a move to the brand. Yamaha is willing to do everything to win. That is necessary, because being in MotoGP and constantly finishing at the back eventually backfires,” said Melandri.
As of now, there is no official confirmation from Yamaha, Aprilia, or Sterlacchini regarding the report.
More Than Just New Riders
If Sterlacchini does join, it would be part of the major changes Yamaha is preparing for 2027. The Iwata-based manufacturer is not only changing its technical direction but also overhauling the organization around its MotoGP project.
Sterlacchini joined Aprilia in 2025 after previously working at Ducati and KTM. Since his arrival, the RS-GP's performance has improved significantly. Aprilia is now considered one of the top title contenders for 2026, with Jorge Martin and Marco Bezzecchi as factory riders, and Raul Fernandez and Ai Ogura at the satellite Trackhouse team.
Interestingly, all four Aprilia MotoGP riders have already won a Grand Prix this season. While the progress cannot be solely attributed to Sterlacchini, his role as technical director is crucial in the development and technical organization at the Noale factory.
Yamaha Aims at Aprilia
Interestingly, Yamaha seems focused on recruiting people from the current Aprilia structure for 2027. In addition to Martin, Ogura is also scheduled to move to Yamaha in 2027. The Japanese rider will partner Martin in the factory team, replacing Fabio Quartararo and Alex Rins, who will leave after this season.
If Sterlacchini also arrives, this would not just be a change in rider lineup. Yamaha would also gain valuable technical knowledge and experience from a manufacturer that has made significant strides in recent years.
Earlier, Yamaha had already made important behind-the-scenes changes by hiring several key personnel. This move underscores Yamaha's determination to rise and compete at the top of MotoGP, not only with top riders but also by strengthening their technical foundation.
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