Burgess questions cost cutting moves

The Yamaha engineer would have preferred to see this weekend's official MotoGP test at Jerez removed from the calendar in favour of a normal three-day test at a location more likely to have good weather.

The curtailed 2009 testing schedule has seen just two three-day tests at Sepang and Losail, plus this weekend's Jerez sessions - a massive reduction on previous years.

"I don't know if it is really the right way to go," said Burgess, who has won 11 500cc and MotoGP titles with Wayne Gardner, Mick Doohan and Rossi.

"Perhaps we need to sit back and look a little bit longer before we make such massive slashes to practice and development times.

"I wouldn't cut costs I would stabilise costs to keep them where they are."

Burgess is frustrated that a day's testing has already been lost due to rain and wind at Qatar and that the Jerez test has been cut from three days to just two. Today has dawned wet - meaning only two bikes have ventured out on track so far.

The Australian also questioned the wisdom of testing at night in Qatar, although he accepted the promotional value of the race taking place after dark.

"I would much rather see the Qatar test take place during the day for example," he said. "The temperature drops the minute you start during the evening."