Thread: First MotoGP podium for axed de Angelis

Just as team-mate Toni Elias had done at Brno, Alex de Angelis made a mockery of Gresini Honda's decision to axe him for 2010 - by charging to his first ever MotoGP podium in Sunday's Indianapolis Grand Prix.

Never lower than fifth all weekend, the Sammarinese broke factory Honda rider Dani Pedrosa's domination by leading morning warm-up, then benefitted from race mistakes by both Pedrosa and world champion Valentino Rossi to sit second by lap 10 of 28.

Setting the fourth fastest lap, the top satellite rider pulled comfortably clear of 2006 world champion Nicky Hayden (Ducati) to confirm the runner-up spot behind Jorge Lorenzo in his 30th MotoGP start.

First MotoGP podium for axed de Angelis


Too bad he's going to be replaced next season.

de Angelis is a really talented pilot and this place on the podium shows us that the has the right stuff needed to become a world champion. I wish him a lot of good luck.