MotoGP Friday practice to remain in 2010

Valentino Rossi claims that MotoGP races will not switch to a two-day format from the 2010 world championship campaign onwards.

The scrapping of all practice on Friday’s was one of several measures proposed by the Motorcycle Sport Manufacturers Association to cut costs in MotoGP.

Friday morning practice has already been axed for the 2009 campaign in a bid to cut down on engine mileage, and it seemed certain that MotoGP would revert to just Saturday and Sunday meetings to further reduce track time and other costs like hotel bills.

Reigning world champion Valentino Rossi was a vocal opponent of the reduction in practice time, claiming it would be detrimental to the rookies entering MotoGP, and riders would be insufficiently prepared for races given the limited time to set-up their machines.

Fiat Yamaha rider Rossi though believes plans to axe Friday practice completely have now been scrapped after further discussions during last weekend’s IRTA test session a the Jerez circuit in Spain.

“We had some good news I think, “said the 30-year-old. “I think for 2010 the Friday afternoon practice will remain and this is the main goal.

“It is good news. So there will be no less practice than 2009 and that is good for everybody.”