Source: MXGP.

Eight-time FIM Motocross World Champion, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Antonio Cairoli, come out all guns blazing, as predicted, for his third qualifying heat victory of the year after stepping up to a 450 SX-F for the MXGP of Spain.

Before the gates had even dropped most eyes were on Cairoli as he opted to line up on the 450 rather than his usual weapon of choice since 2010, the 350 SX-F.

After whipping out a holeshot, which allowed him to control the race from start to finish, for his third qualifying heat win of the season, the Italian proved that his decision could potentially be a big step in the right direction.

Meanwhile, the race did in fact get off to a decent start with last year’s winner in Talavera, Rockstar Energy Suzuki World MXGP’s Clement Desalle chasing the champion around turn one.

Despite pushing hard to match the fierce pace Cairoli was setting, it proved difficult for the Belgian, which left him to finish a respectable second.

Back in third, Team HRC’s Evgeny Bobryshev barged his way through the pack after having an average jump off the gate. Miraculously the Russian emerged from turn two in third where he remained for the entire race.

Rounding out the top five, the MXGP championship leader, Red Bull IceOne Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Max Nagl lasted in the pressure-cooker for fourth, while Yamaha Factory Racing Yamalube’s Romain Febvre was on a relentless mission through the field which saw him eventually wrap up the race hard on the heels of Nagl for fifth.

It was a respectable showing for Australian duo Todd Waters and Dean Ferris, finishing 11th and 13th on Saturday in the qualifying heat.

It appeared Monster Energy Kawasaki Racing Team’s Thomas Covington had caught fire as he nailed the holeshot and went on to lead the entire MX2 qualifier except for the last two laps, which happen to be the ones that count.

What was so impressive about Covington’s performance was the fact that Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s eventual winner Jeffrey Herlings actually chased him around turn one, but struggled to find a way to make a pass stick until the final laps.

Meanwhile Monster Energy Kawasaki Racing Team’s Jordi Tixier kept the leading duo in check with the occupation of third, while Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Pauls Jonass and Monster Energy DRT Kawasaki’s Max Anstie battled for fourth.

As the top five struggled to find new lines and ways to pass on the hard and slick circuit, when the last lap board came out, it caused complete pandemonium.

Herlings managed to pin it around the outside of Covington and finally put the lead on lock, while Tixier edged out his teammate to take over second half of a lap later.

Herlings managed to sneak away while Tixier threw away his hard fought second place when he lost the front end going into a corner on the backside of the circuit. Both Max Anstie and Pauls Jonass were quick to take advantage and moved up a spot.

With time running out fast, Anstie who had pushed his way into third was all over Covington for second, which he claimed in dramatic fashion on the final turn.

With Covington being forced back to third, Jonass wrapped up a solid fourth while Honda Gariboldi’s Tim Gajser rounded out the top five.

Click here for detailed results