Aging Rossi calls for less MotoGP races

Valentino Rossi believes MotoGP riders would prefer fewer races in a season and more time to prepare for each Grand Prix. The Italian's comments came in response to the Grand Prix Commission, who have been discussing possible schedule changes over recent weeks. Already this year, Friday morning practice sessions have been axed and further practices trimmed – with the result a loss in track time of one and a half hours.

There are 17 scheduled races this season, but back in 1997 the calendar included just 14 Grand Prix.

Rossi said: "From a rider's point of view it is better to do less races, but with as much practice time to prepare for the race.

"However, it is more important for the television that we do more racing.

"Maybe this is a little bit worse because you have less time to prepare for the race.

"Many times you then arrive at the start and you are maybe without the perfect set-up, but with the single tire rule now you have less work there, so that will make things less tricky to get to the start on Sunday."