From Rome to the Racetrack: The Gladiators of La Sapienza University Take on MotoStudent

At Zuken Innovation World Italy last year, we had the pleasure of speaking with young engineers from La Sapienza University in Rome. Known as the “Gladiators,” Francesco, Matteo, Domenico and their team have taken on the challenge of designing and competing with a PreMoto3 prototype in the MotoStudent competition, the largest ecosystem of university talent anticipating the future needs of Motorsports and its industry.

The student engineering team handles everything from designing the wiring and telemetry to sourcing sensors and optimizing the electronics for peak performance, using the E3.series software platform. The team explained that their name pays homage to Rome’s iconic warriors, with their headquarters located near the Colosseum.

More than a race

MotoStudent isn’t just a race; it’s a competition that tests teams on design, development, and management. Divided into two phases, the contest begins with deliverables detailing every aspect of their project. The second phase takes place at the Aragon track, where the teams showcase their prototypes in a live racing environment.
The competition reflects the diversity of engineering disciplines as teams work together in areas such as mechanics, electronics, aerodynamics and manufacturing to develop innovative solutions. The Gladiators have already tasted success, securing third place in a previous edition of the competition. But they’re not satisfied with that—they’re determined to climb even higher.

Their prototype is a 250cc, single-cylinder, 4-stroke gasoline bike – far from the electric models that dominate modern conversations. Francesco quipped, “It’s like the bikes Max Biaggi used, but his was a 2-stroke.” Max Biaggi is a former Italian professional Grand Prix motorcycle road racer who achieved six World Championships. With four 250cc road race titles and two in World Superbikes, he is one of only two riders to score championships across both disciplines.

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A Collaborative Effort

The team’s strength lies in their multidisciplinary approach. With backgrounds in computer and electronic engineering, they bring a diverse skill set to the project. Francesco focuses on software, while Matteo and Domenico handle electronics and wiring. They also credit their success to the support of professors Calcaterra and Pepe, as well as funding from La Sapienza University and their sponsors. “Without them, we wouldn’t be able to acquire the necessary parts like fairings, frames, and components,” they said.

Beyond engineering, the Gladiators emphasize the importance of project management. Weekly meetings, meticulous planning, and a shared sense of purpose ensure the team stays on track. “Organization is essential,” they noted. “We’re all working to push forward and achieve even better results.”

Tuning for Perfection

One of the most challenging aspects of their work is tuning the bike’s firmware and ECU to adapt to different tracks and conditions. Tracks like Vallelunga, Misano, and Aragon each demand unique configurations, taking into account factors such as weather and surface conditions.

The team acknowledged the critical role of real-time adjustments during track sessions, ensuring optimal performance through precise fuel mixture management and sensor calibration.
The Gladiators bring together serious skills, solid discipline, and unstoppable drive—they’re a true example of innovation in action. We’re wishing them all the best as they go for the win!