Jorge Prado took the lead from Jeremy Seewer on the opening lap of the MXGP qualifying race at Riola Sardo and took the win from Tim Gajser and Jeffrey Herlings. Romain Febvre went down in the first turn and remounted but went out when his bike stopped.

Ben Watson was 12th while Todd Kellett came through to 19th after being punted off the track in turn one. Adam Sterry was 24th. Roan Van De Moosjik, out for the first time on the factory Honda, was 16th.

Kat De Wold took the MX2 race while Briton Bobby Bruce was 27th.