After two good practice sessions in Estoril, Valentino Rossi found himself qualifying in a lowly ninth place. Today was again a better day for Rossi who was able to climb up to fourth position on the first lap of the race itself. He stayed there for most part of the race but just when it seemed he had staved of Andrea Dovizioso’s challenge he lost the fourth place to him. Colin Edwards on the Tech 3 Yamaha finished in sixth place ahead of Gresini Honda’s Hiroshi Aoyama in seventh and team mate and rookie Cal Crutchlow in an impressive eighth. Ninth place went to Nicky Hayden on the works Ducati ahead of Randy De Puniet on a Pramac Ducati in tenth.