Hofmann, Nakano and ZX-RR at Imola.

The Italian Grand Prix may be two weeks away, but the historic Imola circuit will reverberate to the sound of MotoGP engines this weekend, as Shinya Nakano and Alex Hofmann give Italian Kawasaki riders their first glimpse of the 2004 Ninja ZX-RR.

The annual Imola weekend, organised jointly by Kawasaki Italy and the Italian arm of MotoGP title sponsor Fuchs, has traditionally attracted team green owners from all over Italy - but this year the event is predicted to be bigger than ever.

Upwards of 3,000 owners are expected to descend on Imola this weekend, where they'll get the chance to chat and have their photographs taken with Nakano and Hofmann, before watching the pair attack the world famous circuit aboard their ZX-RRs.

And while the bikes may be too fast to get a good look at during the demonstration laps, there will be ample opportunity for close inspection of the 230BHP machines as they'll be on display all weekend in front of the Fuchs Kawasaki race transporter.

In addition to autograph and photo sessions with both riders, visitors to this weekend's event will also have the opportunity to win a set of Hofmann's leathers, while one lucky female visitor will get the chance to stand on the Mugello grid next to one of the riders immediately before the start of the Italian Grand Prix.

Joining Fuchs Kawasaki at Imola will be Mauro Sanchini and Ivan Clementi from the Bertocchi Kawasaki World Superbike team.