Jerez test axed in pre-season cost cuts
Added on Tuesday, September 22nd, 2009 by Carole Nash Editor
Jerez test axed in pre-season cost cuts
The pre-season MotoGP test in Jerez has been dropped from the calendar for 2010 as the championship continues to strive to cut operating costs.
MotoGP promoters Dorna took the decision to drop the Spanish test, with no pre-season action taking place in Europe other than the post-season test immediately after the final round of 2009 in Valencia.
Instead, Sepang in Malaysia will host what has been described as two “1+2″ testing sessions in February, with test riders only permitted to ride in a “private test” on day one before MotoGP riders are allowed to take to the track on days two and three.
Testing begins on February 3-5 before heading back to the Sepang International Circuit three weeks later on February 24-26, reducing transportation costs by eliminating the need to transfer equipment to alternative circuits. Again, the bikes remain off-limits to regular MotoGP riders on day one.
The paddock then heads to Qatar on March 17-19 for the traditional night test in Losail, which will be the rider’s one and only chance to ride under floodlights before the season opener on April 11. Unlike the Sepang tests, MotoGP riders will be able to ride throughout the three days.
Tests have yet to be scheduled for the Moto2 and 125cc classes, although these are likely to remain in Europe with Valencia and Jerez earmarked as venues.
