Rosenqvist tops Fast Friday speed chart ahead of Indy 500 qualifying
Teammate Alexander Rossi warns weather variability remains the decisive factor for Saturday’s session
Felix Rosenqvist has topped the speed chart during Fast Friday practice for the Indianapolis 500, recording a top speed of 233.372 mph. The Meyer Shank Racing driver secured the fastest time in the final practice session before the qualifying weekend, though he cautioned that the performance did not feel straightforward from inside the cockpit.
Rosenqvist admitted he initially believed the team was far off the pace before the boost was increased and the car’s true qualifying form emerged. Despite the lack of obvious handling feedback, the Swedish driver stated he is now “hungry” for pole position, a sentiment he did not hold before the session began.
His teammate, Alexander Rossi, recorded the second-fastest speed at 232.932 mph. Rossi emphasised that weather variability will likely determine the outcome of the upcoming qualifying session, noting that Indianapolis conditions in May are historically unpredictable.
“It’s just one of those months in Indianapolis, where you get two or three days of consistency, and it flips on its head,” Rossi said. He identified weather as the “name of the game,” suggesting that current speed charts may not accurately reflect the final grid positions once conditions shift.
Rosenqvist will start 11th in Saturday’s qualifying order, a position he welcomed as advantageous. He noted that Meyer Shank Racing has grown accustomed to adjusting to different weather offsets, though he conceded that shifting conditions could reshape the qualifying picture significantly.
Jessica Garcete, an IndyStar sports reporter, covered the event. The qualifying session is scheduled for Saturday, with outcomes subject to change based on weather and performance.
