Monster Yamaha rider Cal Crutchlow's front-end problems worsened today in the opening two MotoGP free practice sessions as his usual difficulties with losing the front on the brakes were joined by a similar lack of grip mid-corner and on the throttle as well.

The former World Supersport Champion says he doesn't as yet know the reasons behind the problems but still managed to up his pace considerably in the second outing at Indianapolis on a slippery track he had never seen before.

“This morning was pretty difficult because the track was very slippery and I was having to contend with not a lot of grip while also trying to push to learn the track. Sometimes I'd run off line and it was so dirty that I was losing a lot of time," said Crutchlow.

"The track was in much better condition this afternoon but it felt like I didn't have the front grip I needed to push for a faster time. We had a lot of wear on the tyre and not much grip and I'm not sure why. The issue this year has been losing the front on the brakes, but today I was losing the front mid-corner and off the throttle.

"I'm sure we can make some big steps with the set-up and I'm confident I can climb a few places up the order and fight for a top 10 in qualifying tomorrow. The good thing is that every single lap we make improvements and I go faster, so if we can get more front-end feeling then I'm looking forward to having a strong race.”