With Danny Kent starting 18th, the task was slightly clearer for Miguel Oliveira. Starting from fourth, he had to win the race to stand a chance, coupled with Kent finishing 15th or lower. John McPhee took pole position on the back of signing a new contract for 2016.
Oliveira started as he should, taking the lead before turn one, McPhee dropping to fourth. Kent ended lap one in 15th, stuck in a battle between Francesco Bagnaia and Fabio Quartararo, gaining a place the next lap. Oliveira was being kept honest at the front, under pressure from Romano Fenati then Efren Vasquez, who took the lead on lap four.