Spaniard Marc Marquez won his home MotoGP race in a classic display that will leave his rivals fearing a repeat of last season's dominant title win.
Qualifying proved key and despite starting in 3rd, his front row position was all Marquez needed to seize P1 going into the first corner - a lead he never looked like relinquishing.
In front of 75000 fans, the first of 11 consecutive European races had 20 year old Yamaha rider Fabio Quartararo sitting on pole - the youngest in MotoGP history.
Despite being overtaken by Marquez, Quartararo was able to keep pace in P2 until he suffered a jammed gearbox on lap 13, leaving him in tears when he returned to the pits.
Alex Rins on the Suzuki and Franco Morbidelli fought for second as Marquez extended his lead to a commanding 4 seconds.
Valentino Rossi had a terrific ride, finishing in 6th from a poor qualifying position.
Maverick Vinales fought his way up to 3rd but the comfortable win for Marquez sees him take the championship lead in this early stage in the season.
MotoGP France Grand Prix - Round 5 of the 2019 Championship LIVE on 10 Bold and streamed LIVE on 10 play. Broadcast commences - 9.30pm AEST Sunday 19 May.