P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Following two days of open test sessions, the IndyCar field took to the Thermal Club track to set the starting
Drivers were split into two groups at random, resulting in a significant difference between the two qualifying runs. The first group consisted of drivers with a total of 142 wins, while the second group only had 31 wins among them. Each driver’s goal was to set the fastest time in an eight-minute session using Push to Pass and new tires. Felix Rosenqvist emerged victorious in the first qualifying session, clocking a lap time of 1 minute 38.5831.
Scott McLaughlin and Rinus VeeKay claimed the second and third spots in the group, securing front row starts for their heat race. In the second qualifying round, Alex Palou set the fastest time with 1 minute 38.5675, leading his team-mate Marcus Armstrong. Marcus Ericsson had an unfortunate spin during his fast lap attempt, hitting the tire barriers hard.
Drivers now gear up for two heat races on Sunday, with the top six finishers from each heat advancing to the final round. The ultimate winner of the final 20-lap race will take home a handsome prize of $500,000.
