Pedrosa charges to victory at Indianapolis

It was Pedrosa who got the holeshot, but it was Yamaha Factory Racing’s Ben Spies who led the opening laps after overtaking the Spaniard early on. Lorenzo, the only prototype rider to opt for the soft option rear tyre, had a less than ideal start, but was soon up into third, forcing his way past Dovizioso.

Pedrosa and Spies were providing an entertaining battle at the front in the early stages, as Lorenzo was unable to close the pair down. Meanwhile Stoner, riding with a pain killing injection due to his fractured right ankle with torn ligaments, forced his way past Álvaro Bautista (Honda) with a strong move.

With 24 laps remaining Pedrosa made a move stick down the home straight to take the lead. A lap later, Stoner was a man on a mission as he also took Stefan Bradl (Honda) to go fifth.

It was misery for Spies with 22 laps left as the American’s engine blew down the straight, causing the oil flags to come out, with the American immediately pulling off the racing line. This affected the following group, as Stoner dropped back behind Dovizioso and Bradl.

Three laps later, Cal Crutchlow (Yamaha) lost the front end of his bike in turn four, putting an end to his charge. In the meantime, Stoner had fought his way back past his group into third.

With 12 laps to go Pedrosa, who was on record-breaking pace, had a big wobble, yet managed to stop himself running onto the grass. This did not stop the Spaniard however, and he soon rediscovered his rhythm. Five laps on, Dovizioso was all over the back of Stoner, who was fighting fearlessly with his injury, and took him for third.

In the end it was Pedrosa whose dominant performance resulted in his second win of the season ahead of Lorenzo and Dovizioso, taking his fifth podium this year. Lorenzo retains his championship lead; however it has been cut to 18pts by his Spanish rival.

But it was Stoner who arguably put in the best ride of the day, having gritted his teeth to finish a tremendous fourth despite injury. Bautista came in fifth, ahead of Bradl, Valentino Rossi (Ducati) and Karel Abraham (Ducati).