SMX world champion, Jorge Prado has won the MXGP qualification race in Ernee, France today. The Team Spain rider took the lead early and pretty much controlled the race, although he did have some pressure from Team France rider, Romain Febvre, who finished second, with Jan Pancar third.

Jorge Prado: I mean, it was a crazy one. The 15 second sign went on and I wasn't even on my bike yet, so that was crazy. I got a good start, went back to third, but I rode a little tight and I didn't want to go over bars. The lappers were difficult, some are 20 seconds slower than us. I want to do a better race tomorrow.

MXGP Qualification Race

Coenen crashed in the opening corner and Febvre led the MXGP qualification race. Prado into second with a pass on Pancar, in fourth was Talviku, then came Beaton, Gifting, Karlis Reisulis, Jazdauskas, Forato, Beaumer, Prado a mistake as Pancar passed him as Beaton moved into fourth spot. Coenen into 25th place, but miles back.

Febvre with three seconds over Prado, who had repassed Pancar for second place and Beaton really looking strong in fourth. Beaton closing up on Pancar for third spot, and Coenen moved into 19th spot. Van De Moosdijk also well back around 20th.

On lap three it was Febvre, Prado, Pancar, Beaton, Talviko, Forato, Karlis Reisulis, Beaumer, Koch and Hammal a very handy 10th. Coenen up to 11th spot and flying. Prado onto Febvre for the lead and Pancar a two second lead over Beaton.

Prado into the lead as he passed Febvre and Coenen into ninth place. Van De Moosdijk into 12th spot and charging through, just like Coenen. Coenen all over Team USA rider Beaumer for 8th place. Beaton not losing time on Pancar for third spot. Coenen passed Beaumer, but the American repassed the Belgian.

The lead by Prado on lap seven was 2.3 seconds and Pancar was 22 seconds back, with Forato passing Beaton for fourth spot and the Aussie tagging onto the back wheel of the Italian. Coenen up to seventh spot and Van De Moosdijk passed Hammal for 10th place. Beaumer dropped to 13th and struggling now on the big 450 machine.

Febvre back on the rear wheel of Prado and pushing to try and give the crowd something to scream about. Coenen into sixth place and five seconds behind Beaton. Prado a big mistake and Febvre all over him now as the crowd go nuts.

Prado onto back markers and you know he isn’t going to like that and Febvre takes the lead, but then Prado responded to regain the lead. Coenen moved past Beaton, dropping the Aussie to sixth spot. Top ten was Prado, Febvre, Pancar, Forato, Coenen, Beaton, Taviku, Karlis Reisulis, Hammal and Van de Moosdijk. Prado wins it.

Qualifying Heat MXGP - Classification

1. Jorge Prado (ESP, KTM), 24:32.499; 2. Romain Febvre (FRA, Kawasaki), +0:01.923; 3. Jan Pancar (SLO, KTM), +0:37.588; 4. Alberto Forato (ITA, Fantic), +0:40.359; 5. Lucas Coenen (BEL, KTM), +0:45.248; 6. Jed Beaton (AUS, Yamaha), +0:50.039; 7. Jorgen-Matthias Talviku (EST, Fantic), +1:05.687; 8. Karlis Alberts Reisulis (LAT, Yamaha), +1:20.043; 9. Taylor Hammal (GBR, Kawasaki), +1:22.858; 10. Roan Van De Moosdijk (NED, KTM), +1:27.086; 11. Valentin Guillod (SUI, Yamaha), +1:47.037; 12. Mads Fredsoe (DEN, KTM), +1:52.215; 13. Isak Gifting (SWE, Yamaha), +1:55.079; 14. Julien Beaumer (USA, KTM), +2:00.564; 15. Tom Koch (GER, KTM), +2:03.003; 16. Tanner Ward (CAN, Husqvarna), -1 lap(s); 17. Tomas Kohut (SVK, KTM), -1 lap(s); 18. Kainosuke Oshiro (JPN, Yamaha), -1 lap(s); 19. Fabio Santos (BRA, Yamaha), -1 lap(s); 20. Emil Weckman (FIN, Triumph), -1 lap(s); 21. Michael Kratzer (AUT, Honda), -1 lap(s); 22. Petr Rathousky (CZE, KTM), -1 lap(s); 23. Lennox Dickinson (IRL, Honda), -1 lap(s); 24. Slade Smith (RSA, Yamaha), -1 lap(s); 25. Leander Thunshelle (NOR, Honda), -1 lap(s); 26. Joaquin Poli (CLAT, Kawasaki), -1 lap(s); 27. Domantas Jazdauskas (LTU, KTM), -1 lap(s); 28. Matija Kelava (CRO, Yamaha), -1 lap(s); 29. Jorge Israel Rubalcava (MEX, KTM), -2 lap(s); 30. Ingvar Sverrir Einarsson (ISL, GASGAS), -2 lap(s); 31. Roman Morozov (UKR, Yamaha), -6 lap(s); 32. Maxime Simon (MAR, Honda), -10 lap(s);