American Spies on pole for Indianapolis MotoGP

American Ben Spies captured his first pole position after a brilliant performance in the qualifying session for the Indianapolis MotoGP.

The 26-year-old put his Yamaha on the front row of the grid after lapping the famous "brickyard" circuit in one minute 40.105 seconds.

"This is a great feeling for me to get my first MotoGP pole position and for it to come in front of the American crowd and here at Indianapolis with all the history makes it even more special," said Spies.

Championship leader Jorge Lorenzo of Spain was second fastest in 1:40.325 while American Nicky Hayden finished third.

Italy's Andrea Dovizioso, Spain's Dani Pedrosa and Australia's Casey Stoner will start on the second row of the grid.

World champion Valentino Rossi qualified seventh despite falling twice.

Spies is in his first full season in MotoGP and is seventh in the world standings.

"There was no way coming into this weekend that I thought this result was possible," he said. "But I've been able to do it and now I'm going to concentrate on getting a good start and giving it everything in the race.

Lorenzo was also pleased with his display as he closes in on his first MotoGP world title.

He leads the championship with 235 points, 77 clear of second-placed Pedrosa.

"This was a really difficult session because it was so hot and the track was very slippery and bumpy, it was hard to know what to expect," Lorenzo said.

"Luckily we managed a good lap and I'm happy with second place, Ben's lap was amazing so well done to him."

- Reuters