Lorenzo solidifies role of favorite by posting fastest lap in Indianapolis MotoGP warmup

Lorenzo posts fastest lap in Indianapolis warmup

INDIANAPOLIS — Points leader Jorge Lorenzo has posted the fastest lap in the final warmup for the Indianapolis MotoGP.

The Spaniard finished the 2.621-mile course in 1 minute, 40.482 seconds. He will start second in Sunday’s race.

Spain’s Dani Pedrosa, the 2009 pole winner, was second at 1:40.708, and this year’s pole winner, American Ben Spies, was third at 1:40.711.

Former world champ Nicky Hayden was seventh at 1:41.012. He’ll start third.

Lorenzo is the prohibitive favorite to defend his Indy title after finishing first or second in all 10 races this season.

Italy’s Valentino Rossi slid off his motorcycle again during warmups but finished the session. It was Rossi’s fourth crash since Friday.