The twenty-nine-year-old Belgian rode a clever first turn after earning sixth gate pick during the timed session earlier in the day to emerge third and immediately moved forward to second. Racing in tandem with the current world champion he closed down the early leader mid-moto, but, with no significant advantage for the pole-setter, wisely maintained his composure as the champion attacked. Losing drive after a minor error in the corner before an uphill multiple jump Clement surrendered second two laps from the close but goes into tomorrow's GP motos confident of success.
 
Clement Desalle: "The track was a little tricky this morning after the rain last night, but the track crew already had it in good condition for the timed practice and I set the sixth best time. My jump at the start was not the best, but the first turn here is very tricky; I found a good line to come out third and at the second turn I was already second. The leader Gajser was setting a very fast pace during the early laps, but I wasn't concerned as I wanted to be consistent. Cairoli and myself closed Gajser back down in the middle of the race and Tony went ahead but I wasn't worried as it was only qualification today. Two laps from the end I made a small mistake in the corner before the uphill triple jump; that meant I couldn't jump it and Febvre passed me but third is good for tomorrow and I go into the GP races full of confidence."
 
Tommy Searle of Bike It DRT Kawasaki joined Desalle in the top ten with Clement's KRT teammate Julien Lieber just one place further back in eleventh and Alessandro Lupino of Gebben Van Venrooy Kawasaki thirteenth.
 
F&H Racing Team newcomer Marshal Weltin continued to impress with a strong ride to tenth in MX2 qualification; the American was alone in the team awning as Adam Sterry was forced to withdraw after aggravating the ankle injury which has handicapped him for much of the season during a midweek training session. Bike It DRT's young Brazilian Gustavo Pessoa also showed promise as he earnt fifteenth gate pick for tomorrow.