Alex Palou secured pole position for the Mid-Ohio IndyCar race, marking a significant moment as the series moves into the second half of the season. The intense qualifying battle unfolded on the 2.258-mile, 13-turn road course in Ohio, where Palou’s skill and speed earned him the coveted top spot against a competitive 27-car field.
Challenging Track and Intense Qualifying Battles
The Mid-Ohio circuit presented a demanding test with its complex layout, posing various hurdles for each driver. The first round of group qualifications saw Christian Lundgaard initially claim the fastest time in Group 1, while notable contenders Pato O’Ward and Scott McLaughlin failed to progress past this stage. In Group 2, Louis Foster, the previous pole winner, began strongly but was soon overtaken as rival drivers posted quicker laps.
Among the surprising outcomes was the elimination of the Team Penske trio in the opening qualifying round. Alexander Rossi narrowly advanced, highlighting the unpredictability of the session. The second round kicked off dramatically with rookie Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing driver experiencing an off-track moment early on. Kyle Kirkwood led briefly before Palou surged ahead, briefly replaced by Lundgaard and Foster, before reclaiming the top position.
The final knockout, known as the Fast Six, decided the pole position in a tension-filled shootout. While newcomers Nolan Siegel and Kyffin Simpson drew attention with impressive performances, all eyes remained on Palou, who ultimately claimed the NTT P1 Award. Christian Lundgaard will join him on the front row, setting up an exciting start to the race at Mid-Ohio.
Alex Palou Reflects on His Mid-Ohio Pole Position Achievement
This pole position marks Palou’s third of the 2025 season and his second consecutive at Mid-Ohio, underlining his consistency and speed on this particular track. Despite his strong championship performance, including six wins in nine races so far, Palou expressed joy and confidence rather than focusing on past challenges.
“Ever since I started with CGR; we’ve had great cars, but I would say we’ve always struggled qualifying upfront, so this year has been phenomenal. Like the speed we have in the cars in every single racetrack we show up has been amazing… Super happy, tomorrow’s going to be a great day for sure.”
—Alex Palou, Driver
Meanwhile, Palou’s closest competitor in the championship, Kyle Kirkwood, qualified seventh, setting up a competitive race as the season progresses.
Complete Starting Grid for the 2025 Mid-Ohio IndyCar Event
The initial lineup for the race at Mid-Ohio has been set following the qualifying sessions, shaping a promising grid for the Grand Prix. The starting order features a mix of veteran racers and emerging talent that promises an engaging contest for fans and teams alike at this challenging road course.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Did McLaren sue Alex Palou over $47.5 million contract dispute?
A. McLaren has not won a title for 26 years. Alex Palou, who has won the IndyCar championship three times, needs to go to London after this weekend’s Daytona 24-hour race. He is attending a mediation because McLaren is suing him for breaking a contract, asking for at least $47.5 million.