The qualifying was started on 12 October at 13:30.[3] The eight fastest teams advanced to the first round, the first four to the gold medal semi-finals, teams five to eight to minor semi-finals.
First round heats were held as follows:
Heat 1: 6th v 7th fastest
Heat 2: 5th v 8th fastest
Heat 3: 2nd v 3rd fastest
Heat 4: 1st v 4th fastest
The winners of heats three and four advanced to the gold medal race. The remaining six teams were ranked on time, from which the top two proceeded to the bronze medal race.