The leading contenders in the 500 class arrived in France still in doubt as to who had won the preceding GP in Belgium.
Wayne Rainey (Yamaha), Eddie Lawson (Honda), Kevin Schwantz (Suzuki), Christian Sarron (Yamaha), brother Dominique and fellow countryman Adrien Morallis were preparing for another closely fought race.
In the 250 class, series leader Sito Pons (Honda) had not won for 2 GPs and was determined to add to his tally of GP wins.
Cardus, Roth and Cornu were well to the fore though and Ruggia (Yamaha) wanted that elusive first GP win on home ground.
Catch this great race action which also includes the 125cc championships.