Defending champion Álex Palou has ideally launched his quest for a second consecutive triumph in the legendary American event by securing pole position among a pack of 33 competitors.
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The Catalan also benefited from a particular context: the cancellation of the first qualifying day, scheduled for Saturday, led to a change in the format.
The 33 drivers each made a single attempt on Sunday afternoon, and this favored the leader of the Ganassi team.
Methodical progression
Following the draw held on Friday, Palou started in 31st position, in conditions significantly warmer than his teammate Scott Dixon, who was first on track. A disadvantage on paper, since cooler temperatures favor grip and engine performance. But the four-time IndyCar champion managed to turn the situation to his advantage by posting the eleventh fastest time in the first phase, narrowly securing his passage to the Fast 12.
This position then allowed him to take to the track very early in the next session, in conditions almost identical to those previously encountered. As he emphasized throughout the day, this stability gave him the opportunity to progressively refine the setup of his car with his team. The work paid off as early as the Fast 12, where he recorded the second best time.
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Palou then found himself in contention for pole position and, by raising the pace again during the Fast 6, secured a second pole at the Indy 500 after that of 2023. Beside him on the front row, Alexander Rossi (ECR), winner of the event in 2016, achieved the best qualifying of his career at Indianapolis, while young David Malukas (Team Penske) completed the top three.
Grosjean not worried
Conversely, Felix Rosenqvist (Meyer Shank Racing) may have new regrets. The Swede had dominated the first two phases of qualifying, the only driver to exceed 232 mph (373.6 km/h) on average. As in 2023 and 2024, he therefore approached the Fast 6 as the favorite. But, once again, the former Formula E driver failed to confirm at the decisive moment and will have to settle for fourth place on the grid, ahead of Santino Ferrucci (Foyt) and Pato O’Ward (McLaren).
For his part, Romain Grosjean secured 25th position at the wheel of the Dale Coyne Racing Dallara-Honda. The Frenchman is however much more confident for next Sunday’s race, considering his car more balanced and performing better in traffic than in qualifying setup. As for Mick Schumacher (RLL), he will start on the penultimate row for his first participation.
The cars will return on Monday to the turbo pressure level planned for the race during two hours of testing. This will be followed by several days without running before the traditional Carburation Day on Friday, the equivalent of a warm-up, the final dress rehearsal before the start of the Indy 500.
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