Lorenzo impressed with 'amazing' Spies

Yamaha announced on Friday that Spies would be promoted from the satellite Tech 3 outfit to the works squad next season. Lorenzo is expected to stay there and become his team-mate, although the contract has not yet been finalised.

The pair ended up fighting for pole at Indy today, with Spies pipping Lorenzo by 0.220 seconds.

"I tried at the maximum to take pole position but Ben's lap was amazing, so I couldn't take it," Lorenzo said.

"That's okay, second position is okay for today."

Earlier in the weekend Lorenzo had hinted that with a 77-point cushion over nearest rival Dani Pedrosa in the standings, he would be able to ride more conservatively for the rest of the season.

He suggested that in those circumstances, to start in the middle of the front row after a session that had seen the likes of Pedrosa, Casey Stoner and Valentino Rossi all struggling was a very respectable result.

"It's important to start in second position, to make a good start and be in the front group," said Lorenzo.

"The condition of the track was so hard, so hot, so bumpy and there were a lot of crashes."