For the first time since 2018 , the NTT IndyCar Series completed a qualifying session on the historic one-mile oval of Phoenix Raceway.
The field hit the track in reverse points order, meaning those who needed momentum most were flying around the banking first.
It was a young driver from the middle of the order that took the top spot, however, as David Malukas took his first ever pole.
READ MORE: IndyCar Phoenix– Full Qualifying Results
Malukas’ two laps were completed in 41.0530 seconds, averaging 175.383 MPH. The 24-year-old is making the most of his new Team Penske relationship in just his second weekend with the iconic team.
His team-mate Josef Newgarden set the second fastest time, even though he was nearly a full mile per hour off the pace.
Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing found an unexpected boost of speed, putting two cars on the second row.
Graham Rahal was third quick to earn the inside position, with rookie Mick Schumacher securing the outside spot.
Schumacher impressed the entire paddock with his performance, lighting up the charts in his first ever oval race weekend.
Scott McLaughlin rounded out the top five, placing yet another Team Penske car at the head of the field.
Sixth position was taken by Alexander Rossi, with Pato O’Ward in seventh after putting in a set of laps just a tick slower.
Last week’s winner and dominant force Alex Palou qualified 10th, giving the Spaniard a bit of work to do for Saturday’s race.
Tough track
Drivers battled against lower grip brought about by warmer temperatures and sunny skies bathing the track.
Onboard cameras picked up many instances of drivers fighting to keep their cars pointing the right direction with intense sawing at the steering wheel.
Will Power was not able to control his car, and ended up spinning his Andretti Honda into the Turn 1 wall.
Considering his early retirement in St. Pete, Power would love to reverse the rocky start he is having with his new relationship.
As the field went through the order completing their runs, some added more downforce and introduced more understeer in order to prevent a similar incident.
The changes came at the cost of lap time, however, and many of the current championship front-runners will start Saturday’s race from at least a few rows back.
Felix Rosenqvist, who crashed hard in morning practice, was not able to qualify due to his team still working to repair the damage.
His #60 Meyer Shank Racing Honda will line up in the last position for Saturday’s race.
Drivers have one more practice session this afternoon, then the race coming up at 1:00 PM local time.
Discussion about this post