Monster Yamaha's Cal Crutchlow has played down any expectations of a podium finish in tomorrow's Austin MotoGP race, saying the lack of test time compared to Jorge Lorenzo and the Repsol Hondas is a key factor.

Crutchlow qualified in fourth place and was second Yamaha rider home behind the factory YZR-M1 of Lorenzo. The Isle of Man resident was only two-tenths slower than the reigning world champion but 1.2 in arrears to Marc Marquez and a second slower than Dani Pedrosa.

"We didn't expect to be this fast to be honest, and we couldn't have expected much more. The potential of the Yamaha is a lot different to that of the Honda - that's clear to see with Lorenzo being so far off," said Crutchlow, speaking at Austin.

"The gaps are way too much. This is the problem with them being able to test and us not. The Honda was always going to have an advantage here whether they tested or not but it wouldn't have been that big. I've managed to get into a few guys that have already tested. Missing that track time was key but I don't think we would have qualifed any differently.

"I'm pleased. We went the wrong way with the setting, I would prefer to go back to yesterday's but I will see for tomorrow morning. We had a good day, I feel, I didn't expect to be on the second row if I am honest.

"No Yamaha has got a chance of winning here. It's a race where, as Yamaha riders, we will have to salvage what we can. The Yamaha is losing in acceleration but also stopping. We can't believe how well the Hondas stop this weekend.

"I think a podium is a bridge too far. I've lost two days on Lorenzo testing and three days on the Hondas. It's too much of anyone to ask of us to challenge for a podium. You can't rule out Valentino, you can't rule out Bradl, they are going to be there. Even if we finish behind those two, I will be happy."