Wayne Rainey took a big highside in qualifying and crashed, breaking his ribs, wrist and injuring his knee, but decided to race anyway.

John Kocinski took the lead at the start but gave it up to Doohan quickly.

Rainey retired from the race: "I ended up pulling in, for the first time in my career, because I was just too hurt to continue.

I knew anything could happen, but the only thing for me would be if Mick made a huge mistake.

"[4]: 169–170 The fight for third between Àlex Crivillé, Wayne Gardner and Kocinski went to experience over youth.