A thrilling gathering arranged by Austrian world presenters ATV, and viewed by plenty of enthusiasts saw a demonstration ride among the city of Vienna this past Wednesday, featuring Jorge Lorenzo (Fiat Yamaha), Nicky Hayden (Ducati Marlboro), James Toseland (Monster Yamaha Tech 3) and Gabor Talmacsi (Scot Racing) all involved.

This was the sole event in history that the competitors were able to take their prototype engines along the historic Ringstreet, the main street in the heart of the city.

Local government enjoyed the occasion as much as a state visit, with the Austrian police force travelling ahead of the champions on a 5.2km string of the city centre. The travel began at the Burgtheater on Josef-Meinrad-Place, via Ringstreet and through many fascinating buildings like the State Opera House, the famous museums and the Austrian Parliament, finally returning to the Burgtheater.

The competitors ceased for a while at the Parliament building so that media photographers and spectators could take photos at such a remarkable venue.

Czech 250cc competitor Karel Abraham (Cardion AB Motoracing) and three 125cc riders - Spaniard Marc Marquez (Red Bull KTM), Austrian Michael Ranseder (CBC Corse) and Swiss rider Randy Krummenacher (Degraaf Grand Prix) – were also there which incorporated interviews with ATV broadcasters Mark Michael Nanseck and Rudi Moser.

Talmacsi commented, “This kind of event is fantastic because you feel the support from the fans and there are a lot of Hungarians because it’s very close. We also did a big promotion in my country, on Monday, so I expect a lot of fans in Brno. I like the track so much, it is good for my riding style but in MotoGP this is my first time there. Of course I’ll try my best and now I have more feeling with the motorcycle and I feel stronger personally.”

Former hero Hayden, adds, “It was a great opportunity for the fans to get close to the bikes and to the riders, and hopefully for us to show them a bit of our sport. Perhaps we can get a new audience that have not seen our bikes before and I think it’s a good build up for the weekend. Last year I missed the race but Brno is a great track, fast, flowing and a lot of long straight aways so I am looking forward to the weekend now.”

Supplying his views battle ahead after the break, Lorenzo states, “Dani (Pedrosa) is currently more than 70 points behind but you can not rule him out, because in this championship a thousand and one different things could happen. It looks like there are two riders with a real chance, especially Valentino (Rossi), but mathematically you can’t rule any of the top guys out.”

Following the journey, all the riders went across the border to start their preparations for the first round following the short break, with the event at the Cardion AB Czech Republic Grand Prix in Brno due to commence on Friday afternoon.