Making a slow return to the paddock after a three week break, the MotoGP teams have arrived at Istanbul Park to prepare themselves for the Grand Prix of Turkey. Although there has been an absence of the rain which so dramatically hit the MotoGP qualifying session last year, the day has been overcast and somewhat chilly; leading to much uncertainty about just what will await the riders tomorrow morning in their opening session on track. Although the ambience of the paddock was a sharp contrast to the packed scenes on race day at the previous round, there has still been plenty of activity for the early arrivals. Honda held a presentation for the local press close to the track, attended by World Champion Nicky Hayden, twice Turkish racewinner Marco Melandri, LCR Honda’s Carlos Checa and 250cc riders Andrea Dovizioso and Shuhei Aoyama. There was also a press conference at Istanbul Park itself, in which five time MotoGP World Champion and current series leader Valentino Rossi was accompanied by Melandri, 2006 poleman Chris Vermeulen, Casey Stoner and Kenny Roberts Jr. The riders fielded questions pertaining to the as-of-yet untested Turkish track for the 800cc bikes, and the role that this will have on their weekend when combined with the new tyre regulations for 2007. The third round of the season, Istanbul Park is the first track none of the riders have been at previously on the 800cc machines. Due to the new tyre regulations for 2007, manufacturers Michelin and Bridgestone were forced to make their tyre choices today, unlike Dunlop, and all three suppliers will be keeping a keen eye on the unpredictable weather over the weekend to see who has made the best choice and can take best advantage of the situation. Meeting with his mechanics to prepare for his first 125cc appearance of 2007, Kev Coghlan was one of the riders making early preparations for Sunday’s race. The Scottish rider, who stands in for former 125cc winner on Turkish soil Mike di Meglio, has been excitedly anticipating his stand in appearance for Team Scot and preparing to undertake his first laps of the Istanbul Park circuit. Tomorrow’s practice sessions for the Grand Prix of Turkey get underway from 9am local time with the 125cc class, with 250cc and MotoGP to follow.