First DNF of the season for Cal
Today's race didn't have the positive outcome that Cal Crutchlow was hoping for. The British rider failed to score points for the first time in an impressive second season in the MotoGP class. Cal looked on course to finish inside the top six for the ninth time in 11 races when he latched onto the back of a pack including Dovizioso, Stoner, Bradl and Bautista dicing for third before the halfway stage. But just as the 26-year-old was sizing up an attack to move into the top six, he lost the front-end of his YZR-M1 machine at Turn 4 on lap 10.
Cal's post race thoughts
Unfortunately today was the first time this season I have not finished a race and not been inside the top 10, so it is pretty disappointing.
I had exactly the same crash yesterday morning during free practice and I will hold my hands up and say it was a silly mistake. I can't blame the track because it was on the part with the old asphalt. I opened the throttle and lost the front but that was an area we seemed to be struggling with the whole weekend.
What is disappointing is that I had fought my way to the back of the group battling for the podium and I was confident with my pace. So to crash out is disappointing and I am sorry to the Monster Yamaha Tech 3 Team because we could have had another strong result.
The big positive is I was 1.2s faster than last year on this track and at this level it is not a bad run to go 10 races in a row inside the top 10. I've got a chance to put things right in Brno next weekend and I will be doing my best to be challenging for a top result again.
Herve Poncharal – Team Manager
I am running out of superlatives to describe the job Andrea has been doing this season but another podium finish here in Indianapolis is a fantastic result.
That is the fifth time in the last seven races that Andrea has been on the podium and this is way beyond our wildest dreams. Honestly I didn't expect us to be on the podium here but Andrea and the whole Monster Yamaha Tech 3 Team did another incredible job.
It was a tough race throughout and I have to say big respect to Casey because he showed today why he is the current World Champion. Andrea had to push at his maximum to beat him but now we can go to Brno hoping that this brilliant run of form can continue.
It's really a pity that Cal crashed because he was looking very strong at the back of the group and waiting for the right moment to make his move.
It was a small mistake but when you look how consistent and fast he has been in 2012, we can't be too upset. I know Cal will be determined to bounce back quickly from this result and we will be giving him our 100% support to make sure that happens in Brno.”