Romano Albesiano has been appointed as the new Honda Technical Director effective from the 2025 MotoGP season.
The news comes shortly after Albesiano’s departure from Aprilia Racing, where he played a pivotal role in the development and success of the team.
The Italian’s transition to Honda marks a strategic move for both the manufacturer and the experienced engineer, who is known for his technical expertise and innovative approach to motorcycle racing.
Romano Albesiano’s career in motorsport has been marked by a series of achievements that have established him as one of the leading figures in motorcycle engineering. His tenure at Aprilia saw the Italian manufacturer rise to prominence in MotoGP, particularly with the development of competitive machinery that challenged established teams.
Under his leadership, Aprilia made significant strides in performance, showcasing a blend of speed and reliability that caught the attention of fans and competitors alike.
The decision by Honda to bring him on board signals their intent to revitalize their performance on the track, especially following a challenging period where they struggled to keep pace with rivals like Ducati and Yamaha.
“HRC is pleased to announce the signing of Romano Albesiano as the new Honda Technical Director,” the team said in a statement.
“From the start of 2025, Albesiano will oversee HRC’s MotoGP project and the continued development of the Honda RC213V machine as Technical Director.
“The Italian joins HRC with three decades of motorcycle and racing development experience, having most recently spent 11 years as part of Aprilia’s MotoGP project.”
Honda has long been a dominant force in MotoGP, with a rich history of championship victories and legendary riders. However, recent seasons have seen them grappling with technical challenges that have hindered their competitiveness.
The appointment of Albesiano as the new Honda Technical Director is seen as a crucial step towards addressing these issues. His experience in developing cutting-edge technology and understanding rider dynamics will be invaluable as Honda seeks to regain its status at the pinnacle of motorcycle racing.
The announcement was met with excitement among fans and industry insiders alike, who view Albesiano’s expertise as a potential game-changer for Honda. His reputation for fostering innovation and pushing engineering boundaries aligns perfectly with Honda’s commitment to excellence.
As he steps into this new role, Albesiano will be tasked with not only enhancing the performance of Honda’s current lineup but also spearheading future projects that could redefine their approach to racing.
One of the immediate challenges Albesiano will face is adapting Honda’s existing motorcycle platform to meet the evolving demands of MotoGP. The sport has seen rapid advancements in technology, including aerodynamics, electronic systems, and tire management strategies.
Romano Albesiano’s background in these areas will be critical as he collaborates with Honda’s engineering team to implement necessary changes that can lead to improved on-track performance.
Moreover, his arrival comes at a time when MotoGP is experiencing heightened competition among manufacturers. Teams like Ducati have set new benchmarks in terms of speed and agility, making it imperative for Honda to innovate continuously.
With Albesiano at the helm of technical direction, there is optimism that Honda can develop motorcycles that not only match but potentially surpass their rivals in terms of performance metrics.
Romano Albesiano will replace Ken Kawauchi, who joined in 2022 after Suzuki left the MotoGP paddock. He also follows Aleix Espargaro across from Aprilia to Honda as Test Rider in 2025 earlier this season.
