Max Anstie took a fine second place behind eight-times world champ Tony Cairoli in the MXGP qualifying race in Switzerland today. Cairoli sneaked past race leader Anstie on the opening lap but the Brit tailed him right to the line, finishing a couple of seconds adrift.

Former world champ Romain Febvre took third from home hero Arnaud Tonus fourth on another Yamaha. On-form Jeffrey Herlings was chasing Tonus when he slipped off. He remounted to take sixth.

Having his first race of the year since a succession of injuries. Tommy Searle took 11th.

World champ Tim Gajser went down in the first corner with his Honda team-mate Evgeny Bobryshev. Gajser pitted for repairs and finished 32nd, giving him a poor gate pick for tomorrow’s race.

Jeremy Seewer won the MX2 qualifying heat from Julien Liber and Pauls Jonass. Darien Sanayei took  fourth on the final lap.