P1racenews AI automatic summary:
IndyCar rolled into Portland or the second event of a West Coast swing, with drivers battling high temperatures as they looked to set the fastest lap possible to set the grid. Christian Lundgaard was quickest and earned pole with a lap of 58.3939 seconds, but a grid penalty for excessive engine changes pushes him down […]
IndyCar arrived in Portland for the second race on the West Coast tour, where drivers faced sweltering heat as they aimed to clinch the fastest lap for grid placement. Despite Christian Lundgaard’s top lap time of 58.3939 seconds, an engine change penalty demoted him to seventh on the starting grid. Pato O’Ward benefited from his teammate’s penalty, advancing from second position to secure pole for Sunday’s race. Alex Palou’s error on his final run forced him wide and into the tire barriers, resulting in a starting position of sixth, which moves up to fifth due to Lundgaard’s penalty. Andretti Global experienced a disappointing qualifying session, with two of their three drivers struggling to qualify for the later rounds due to issues with handling the red tires. The forecast for Sunday predicts even higher temperatures, raising the possibility of unexpected challenges during the race.
