has slammed the cost-saving testing restrictions in MotoGP
because it handicaps a factory from trying to develop a better bike. The winter testing schedule has been drastically reduced in the face of the global economic crisis and, apart from a two-day session immediately after
the final race in Valencia, there are only eight days of testing available.
The paddock normally visits the Sepang circuit in Malaysia twice before finishing pre-season preparations with a two-night test under the Losail International Circuit floodlights in Qatar. The number of Monday tests immediately after a race weekend were also greatly reduced to save money, but Rossi said the limit on testing was too severe.
Rossi believes the restrictions have prevented Ducati
from making any significant progress during this season, with the GP11.1 easily beaten by Honda and Yamaha. Rossi, who finished 10th at Aragon, denied putting pressure on Dorna to increase the track time available during the off season.
“I think it is incredible that we don't have more tests because for me and Ducati it increases the time to recover by ten times,” said Rossi.