One of the most eagerly anticipated Grands Prix of the season, the Gran Premio d’Italia Alice, takes place this weekend, and already the paddock has experienced an influx of riders, press and fans eager to catch a glimpse of their idols. MotoGP riders Alex Hofmann and Carlos Checa were joined by 125cc World Championship contender Gabor Talmacsi as the trio took a trip to Casa Musea d’Erci at midday. The visit to the agricultural museum proved an eye-opening experience, as the two-wheel stars learnt about the farming history of the Mugello region through tools, photos and documents preserved through the ages. The museum also invited the riders to prepare some traditional produce from the area, a schiacciata bread. With the visit coinciding with lunchtime, Hofmann, Checa and Talmacsi were able to sample the fruits of their labour with a healthy appetite. To round off the day, a group of schoolchildren posed questions to the trio. The pre-event press conference drew together MotoGP World Championship leader Casey Stoner, Valentino Rossi – winner of the last five races at Mugello, home rider Marco Melandri, reigning World Champion Nicky Hayden and Le Mans race winner Chris Vermeulen. Fielding questions ahead of their latest challenge, the daunting nature of the tricky Italian circuit was emphasised by all five, with Rossi and Melandri particularly emphasising their desire to take a win in front of their home crowd. Present in the paddock were returning MotoGP riders Kurtis Roberts and Olivier Jacque. The former confirmed his presence in this Sunday’s race for his father’s Team Roberts outfit, whilst Jacque announced that he will be making his comeback after missing his home race through injury. Casey Stoner “Some of these circuits coming up will be difficult for us, including this one despite the fact that it’s a track that I like. The Italian riders have proved themselves to be very hard to beat here, but I think that the Ducati is going to go well.” Practice for the Gran Premio d’Italia Alice begins tomorrow at 9am local time.