In preparation for the GP Cinzano de San Marino e della Riviera di Rimini, the MotoGP paddock opened its doors for the first time in 14 years with a flurry of activity. The return to Misano came on a day in which the weather gave a sign of its fickle nature, with sweltering heat and clear skies in the morning and torrential downpours in the late afternoon that may make the task of learning the track a difficult one. Nearly every rider competing in the World Championship began work today at the Misano circuit, getting to know the intricacies of the track at which few have participated. The new clockwise running direction makes it practically a new circuit even for those with previous experience, and as such an extra hour of practice time will be given to the MotoGP riders tomorrow afternoon. Pre-event activities were headed by a visit to San Marino itself, made by MotoGP rider Alex Barros, local rider Alex de Angelis, Northern Irish rookie Eugene Laverty and 125cc rider Sandro Cortese. The quartet were given the chance to learn the traditional San Marino arts of flag waving and crossbow shooting, with De Angelis in particular looking to hit the target this weekend. A group of local delegates greeted the riders, explaining more about the rich history of defending the city walls and the annual crossbowmen festival, amongst other subjects. Five riders were present in the official MotoGP press conference, namely MotoGP World Championship leader Casey Stoner, reigning title holder Nicky Hayden, local hero Valentino Rossi, in-form John Hopkins and the returning Marco Melandri. Questions were fielded about a variety of aspects surrounding the return to Misano, with all five expecting a close and exciting race with an atmosphere perhaps even more impressive than that of Mugello. In addition to Melandri, who makes his comeback after missing the race at Brno with a neck injury, Alex Hofmann was also present in the paddock for his return to action. The Pramac d’Antin rider is expecting a tough time reacclimatising to the physical pressures of riding after more than a month off the Desmosedici GP7, but expects to be able to ride largely untroubled tomorrow. Clearing up months of speculation, Anthony West had cause to celebrate today as he was confirmed as Kawasaki’s second rider for the 2008 campaign. The decision was announced this afternoon in a move many expected even before his current team-mate Randy de Puniet signed for LCR Honda, courtesy of the Australian’s highly creditable performances onboard the Ninja ZX-R since his first race at Donington Park. Action at Misano begins at 8.45am local time, with the aforementioned extra hour of practice taking place from 4.15 to 5.15pm. Casey Stoner “I don’t think that this track will be any different to any other new track that gets put on the calendar. We’re all in the same boat, more or less. From what I’ve seen riding round on the scooter, it looks technical and tight, which sometimes makes for close racing. I think that this could possibly be a bigger race in terms of atmosphere than even Mugello.”