Valentino Rossi critical of MotoGP testing restrictions

Reigning world champion Valentino Rossi has told MCN that he believes the new testing restrictions introduced to help cut costs in MotoGP are too severe.

The Fiat Yamaha rider, who won nine races to recapture the premier class crown in 2008, is worried that development of the 800cc bikes will suffer because of the new restrictions on testing.

In a bid to slash costs to help MotoGP survive the global economic crisis, Rossi and his 17 MotoGP rivals will not be allowed to test once the season starts in Qatar on April 12.

MotoGP bosses had wanted to axe all the in-season testing, but a compromise has seen the post race tests immediately after the Catalunya and Brno races remain on the calendar.

But rules permit only test and development riders to participate, and only 2010 prototype machines can be used in the two tests.

Italian Rossi told MCN: “I’m a little worried, but last year was crazy. We did nine or ten test and a lot of Monday tests and this was too much for sure. But to test two times I think is important, also because we have less time in practice now if we want to try new parts.

“Normally some new parts arrive from Japan for Catalunya and Brno, so those Monday tests are very important, yet we can’t ride at them. Maybe if we fight a little bit we can get one or two back.”

Rossi completes his pre-season preparations for 2009 in Jerez on March 28/29 before beginning the defence of his crown under the Qatar floodlights on April 12.