Hughes was prevented from riding the first moto because his mechanic did not bring his motorcycle to the impound area more than 10 minutes prior to the start of the moto — an FIM rule. Hughes, although extremely disappointed about the circumstances, bounced back to dominate the second moto (taking the lead on lap 7, and leading thereafter to the finish).
In Australia, the FIM 500 Motocross GP season began with domination by KTM’s Joel Smets, who won both motos. Second place overall went to Yamaha’s Marnicq Bervoets (2/3), with Husqvarna’s Darryl King third overall (6/2).
 taking the overall victory (1/4), followed by Suzuki’s Mickael Pichon (3/3) and Honda’s Ryan Hughes (DNF/1).</p><div class=)
