Alex Palou takes provisionally lead at Indy 500 qualifying

The Indianapolis 500 qualifying event took place on May 17, 2025, at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in the United States. In the initial round of time trials, two-time defending IndyCar series champion Alex Palou achieved the fastest speed of 233.043 mph in a Honda-powered entry, securing the provisional pole position. He was closely followed by Team Penske drivers Scott McLaughlin and Josef Newgarden, who qualified with speeds of 233.013 mph and 233.004 mph, respectively. This year's session saw a return of the usual excitement, with qualifying determining the fast 12 drivers who will compete for the top spots in the race. According to qualifying rules, drivers that finish in positions 13 through 30 can lock in their places for the race. Conversely, those in the bottom four will need to compete in a last-chance qualifying shootout the following day to secure their spots on the grid. The weather played a significant role in the qualifying session, with poor wind conditions affecting vehicle handling. Several drivers, including Marcus Armstrong and Colton Herta, faced challenges, with Herta's car flipping during a scary qualifying attempt. Armstong's second car was not ready when it was his turn, and he needed a qualifying run to avoid being pushed to the last-chance qualifier. Other drivers, like Graham Rahal, faced difficulties with their cars and struggled to compete effectively. The day unfolded with vibrant drama as some drivers had run-ins with the qualifying rules, while underdog driver Robert Shwartzman managed to surprise observers by securing a strong qualifying position despite his team's recent struggles. In this high-stakes environment, the top 12 drivers are set to return on Sunday to compete for pole position and the first four rows on the grid, while the rest will maintain an anxious wait to see if they can secure a spot in the 33-car field. The anticipation surrounding last-chance qualifying is palpable, as one driver will ultimately miss the chance to compete in what is known as 'The Greatest Spectacle in Racing'. Overall, the Indianapolis 500 qualifying session on Saturday, filled with notable ups and downs, is a reminder of the unpredictability inherent in motorsport, especially at such a prestigious event. The drama continues to unfold as the event moves into the final qualifying rounds on Sunday, with fans eagerly awaiting the outcome of the time trials leading to the historic race.