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The MotoGP World Championship filtered into the Sepang circuit at a leisurely pace today, with many of the teams having already been undertaking work over the past two days in preparation for the Polini Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix.

As ever in Sepang, the only predictable thing about the weather was its sheer unpredictability, with heat and humidity giving way to heavy showers over the course of the day. Riders present at the track have already been running the rule over the new surface, and will be keenly observing local forecasts to discover just what kind of conditions they can expect over the coming days.

MotoGP rider John Hopkins was accompanied by 250cc rookie standout Mika Kallio in a visit to the centre of Sepang yesterday, to sample some Malaysian culture ahead of this weekend’s race.

The Anglo-American and the Finn honed their culinary skills by cooking a selection of Malaysian treats, including roti canai; a cake made up of flour and eggs and known as ‘Indian bread’. The duo also took a turn straining tea, the drink of choice for the discerning Malaysian. Away from the kitchen, Hopkins and Kallio were given a crash course in decoration, dressing up some local gifts with multicoloured wrapping.

In a glimpse of the future of Suzuki’s MotoGP project, wild card rider for Malaysia Nobuatsu Aoki was present at the circuit today, as was the new 2008 Suzuki bike that he will be giving its race debut this weekend. The changes include a new tail design and more open exhaust system.

Team Manager Paul Denning also shed light on the nature of the 2008 GSV-R in the pre-event press conference, and confirmed the presence of AMA Superbike Champion Ben Spies at the post-race test on Monday. The Suzuki boss joined four riders in the MotoGP media session: World Champion and winner of his home Grand Prix last weekend Casey Stoner, second place advantage holder Valentino Rossi, Kawasaki man Randy de Puniet and departing LCR Honda veteran Carlos Checa. All five gave their views on Sepang and the season as a whole, fielding questions from the international press.

Practice for the Polini Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix begins tomorrow from 9am local time.

Casey Stoner
“There’s not been much time between these two races, but they are a little more relaxed than before winning the title, and I really enjoyed Phillip Island.

“I had back-to-back victories here in 125cc and 250cc, and my performances in Sepang have generally been good. I like the track, and you are sliding around a lot more.

“Regarding the number 1 plate for next year: I am not 100% certain about if I will use it or continue with number 27, but at the moment I am leaning towards using the number 1.”

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