MotoGP:As part of the build-up to the Cardion AB Czech Republic Grand Prix a number of World Championship riders called into neighboring Austria’s capital city of Vienna on Wednesday

MotoGP Press Release

An exciting event witnessed by thousands of local fans in Vienna saw a demonstration ride through the heart of the city with Jorge Lorenzo (Fiat Yamaha), Nicky Hayden (Ducati Marlboro), James Toseland (Monster Yamaha Tech 3) and Gabor Talmacsi (Scot Racing) all taking part.

Although MotoGP has visited Vienna before this was the first time in history that the Grand Prix riders were allowed to take their prototype machines along the famous Ringstreet, the main boulevard in the city.

Local government welcomingly treated the event like a state visit, with a clear 5.2km police escort ride through the city, commencing at the Burgtheater on Josef-Meinrad-Place, along Ringstreet and past several important buildings such as the State Opera House, the most famous historical museums and the Austrian Parliament.

Czech 250cc rider Karel Abraham (Cardion AB Motoracing) and three 125cc competitors - Spaniard Marc Marquez (Red Bull KTM), Austrian Michael Ranseder (CBC Corse) and Swiss rider Randy Krummenacher (Degraaf Grand Prix) – were also present at the event, which included bike presentations, an autograph session and interviews with local and international media.

Afterwards the riders headed across the border to begin their final preparations for the first round since a short summer break, with the action at the Cardion AB Czech Republic Grand Prix in Brno set to begin on Friday afternoon.