Rossi: Qualifying could've been worse

The Yamaha rider has had a torrid time in America so far - struggling for pace and then crashing in both practice and qualifying today.

"We worked hard today to try to recover the feeling we've lost and we have made some improvement," said Rossi.

"Unfortunately I crashed at the worst point in the session, with the soft tyre in and doing some fast laps but with not enough time left to try again.

"It could have been worse because I thought I would end up much further back than seventh, so we can be happy for this."

Rossi hit out at the condition of the Indy circuit, suggesting the rough surface contributed to his falls.

"This track is very bumpy and I really think something needs to be done to some parts of it to improve it," he said.

"I don't know when the last time I crashed twice on one day is but for sure it was many years ago, back in the 90s perhaps...

"Luckily I am okay, nothing is hurt and this is the most important thing."

The world champion was not the only big name to have a tough session at Indianapolis, with Casey Stoner only one place ahead of him and Dani Pedrosa also failing to make the front row.

"I think tomorrow is going to be a very interesting day because me, Pedrosa and Stoner are all behind the front row which is unusual," Rossi said. "It could be fun."

Ben Spies took pole position for the race on his Tech 3 Yamaha, ahead of Jorge Lorenzo and Nicky Hayden.