The stage was set for a great race in the San Marino sunshine. Kevin Schwantz (Lucky Strike Suzuki) was on a roll after his British GP victory. Wayne Rainey (Marlboro Yamaha) had other ideas in stalling the Texan's late challenge for the title. Michael Doohan (Rothmans Honda) stunned his rivals by storming into first place, but the drama was just beginning... In the 250 class, Luca Cadalora (Rothmans Honda) and Helmut Bradl were engaged in a tremendous battle but Bradl, in a frantic bid to retake the lead from Cadalora, spectacularly came to grief, but escaped injury. This left Carlos Cardus (Repsol Honda) the main challenger to Cadalora in a memorable race.