The on-track action resumes tomorrow for the riders of the MotoGP World Championship, but a flurry of post-vacation activity has well and truly kicked preparations for the Cardion ab Grand Prix Ceske Republiky into gear. Although the Brno circuit in the Czech Republic plays host to the latest round of the series, neighbouring Austria was also treated to the sights and sounds of the bikes used to compete in MotoGP when Vienna’s main street was closed off for a demonstration by riders Carlos Checa, Sylvain Guintoli and Ivan Silva onboard their 800cc machines. 10,000 fans saw the riders strutting their stuff, with Checa in particular putting on a show with a spectacular burnout. 250cc rider Mika Kallio and 125cc starlets Randy Krummenacher and Michael Ranseder also took to the street, whilst Marco Melandri made an appearance to sign autographs and speak to the media. After the event, which took place in front of the Rathaus parliamentary building and the national Burg Theatre, the riders headed across the border to begin their preparations for their latest challenge in Brno. In big news, Loris Capirossi took the relative calm of a pre-race Thursday afternoon to make an announcement about his MotoGP future. Departing Ducati after five fruitful seasons, the Italian will ride for Suzuki in 2008, with an option in place for a further year. The veteran extended thanks to both teams, and reiterated his commitment to going out on a high with a strong final part of the season. Capirossi was in a talkative mood, on double duty owing to his participation in today’s official press conference alongside current team-mate World Championship leader Casey Stoner, future partner Chris Vermeulen, returning Gresini Honda rider Toni Elias and third placed Dani Pedrosa. All riders filled the media in on what they have been up to since the last race at Laguna Seca just under a month ago, and expressed their desire to get back in the saddle at a popular track with the MotoGP field. Casey Stoner “It was good to get back home and in shape for the last part of the season, and it seems that the Australian public are really getting behind me. I’m ready for the final races, and I’m hoping to take the fight a step further. In the past 12 sessions I’ve been fastest 11 times, so I hope I can quickly get into the rhythm here, even though I know that it will be hard work. “Here is one of my favourite circuits alongside Mugello and Phillip Island. It’s getting a bit bumpy, but it’s not so bad. I’m confident in myself to finish the job.”