Preparations for the latest round of the MotoGP World Championship the Sinopec Great Wall Lubricants Grand Prix of China- got underway today at the Shanghai International circuit amidst the humid warmth of the Asian track. With riders having only recently arrived from afar, the day was a relaxed affair ahead of the all-important practice sessions which take place tomorrow. Early birds Toni Elias, Loris Capirossi and Olivier Jacque took part in a pre-event ‘meet and greet’ at the Jin Mao Tower, attended by fans, local and international media. The trio went up to the 88th floor of the tallest building in China, and also took in a ‘Dragon Dance’ and martial arts display performed by local artists. The three spoke briefly in a press conference also held in the tower. In the customary press conference, five MotoGP stars fielded questions about Shanghai and the season so far. World Championship leader Casey Stoner and five time MotoGP champion Valentino Rossi were joined by last year’s race winner Dani Pedrosa, veteran rider Alex Barros and 2006 front row qualifier John Hopkins. Stoner indicated that he did not believe that the Ducati speed advantage would make it plain sailing for the riders on the Desmosedici GP7, whilst the others also noted that the track was more than just two straights. Practice for the Sinopec Great Wall Lubricants Grand Prix of China begins tomorrow at 9.00am local time with the 125cc class, with the MotoGP riders undertaking their first laps on the 800cc machines at the Shanghai International circuit at 10am.