Pedrosa on pole as Stoner crashes

Spain’s Dani Pedrosa claimed pole position for today’s Indianapolis Grand Prix while Australian Casey Stoner struggled with a right ankle injury after a qualifying crash last night.

Pedrosa, on a Honda, rode the fastest qualifying lap at 1min 38.813sec over the 2.621-mile, 16-turn layout at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

He ranks second in the overall season points chase behind countryman Jorge Lorenzo, who finished second in qualifying on his Yamaha with Andrea Dovizioso of Italy third.

Reigning world champion Stoner, third on this year’s points list, was stretchered off the track after a crash on his Honda.

He was thrown over his motorcycle’s handlebars and across the track.

Stoner, last year’s winner at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, was being treated at a local hospital for suspected torn right ankle ligaments after doctors ruled out a fracture. His status was uncertain for today.

American Ben Spies qualified fourth, despite an earlier crash, followed by Germany’s Stefan Bradel.

Spies’s bike skidded out and he landed heavily on his left side. Moments later, Nicky Hayden went flying when his machine spun and he avoided serious injury. Hayden will start eighth.

Spies and Hayden have made it to the podium twice at Indianapolis. Spies won the pole in 2010 and took third a year ago. Hayden was runner-up in 2008 and third in 2009.

Hector Faubel escaped serious injury in an earlier crash in the Moto3 division. Faubel, who complained of chest and back pain, was taken to a local hospital.