With practice at the A-Style TT Assen beginning tomorrow, the MotoGP paddock has already re-formed at the Dutch circuit, transported in its entirety from Spain between Sunday and today. After speculation as to exactly who will be lining up on Saturday’s grid, there have been a number of reshuffles announced by the teams ahead of tomorrow’s first day of practice sessions. Sete Gibernau was operated on yesterday, replacing a metal plate to help aid his recovery from a fractured collarbone. Out of action for three to five weeks, the Spaniard’s place in the Ducati Marlboro team will be taken this week by Pramac d’Antin’s Alex Hofmann, whose vacant seat is in turn occupied by Spanish rider Ivan Silva. Loris Capirossi is a confirmed participant in the A-Style TT Assen, whilst Marco Melandri is still doubtful. The Italians were both discharged from hospital on Tuesday, and Melandri will make the decision as to whether he races before tomorrow’s practice. A pre-event activity was organised for Dutch riders Joey Litjens and Hugo van den Berg and MotoGP star Kenny Roberts Jr., who took a trip to the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. The museum is housed in a building which dates back to 1885, and contains a number of Dutch masterpieces from the renaissance and baroque periods. One of the most famous rooms is the home of numerous pieces by Dutch Baroque painter Rembrandt, and this year sees the 400th anniversary of his birth. The MotoGP riders were able to admire some of the artist’s most famous works, including ‘The Nightwatch’. Of course, there was also the customary pre-Grand Prix press conference, in which Valentino Rossi, Toni Elias, Nicky Hayden, Chris Vermeulen and Kenny Roberts spoke about the race in Catalunya and especially about the modifications to the Assen Circuit. In 250cc, the Repsol Honda Team have announced their replacement for retired rider Sebas Porto. The team have opted for Colombian Martin Cardenas, who until now has been riding Honda BQR in the category. This in turn has seen Cardenas’ place occupied by Aleix Espargaro, promoted from the 125cc team, whilst Esteve Rabat completes the reshuffle by joining the lower cylinder category.