Monaco Increase Management driver came out of qualifying in P2 as the best Honda-powered car

Monaco Increase Management driver Alex Palou qualified on first row for the GMR grand Prix at the Indianapolis road course today. Palou’s superb driving style and determination took him almost effortlessly through the first two qualifying legs, in which he scored second best and overall best lap time respectively (1min02sec5683 and 1min09sec4114, both on ‘alternate’ tire compound). Knowing how difficult overtaking can be on the Indy 3.924 Km, 14-turn Infield circuit, Palou gave his very best on the final Fast Six round, often riding over the tricky kerbs, and came out with a best time of 1min09sec8090 on used Alternate tires, which was worth P2 in the lap chart and the first row on Saturday’s starting grid! Palou’s achievement is even more remarkable considering that his CGR #10 Dallara chassis is by far the best placed Honda-powered car at the end of the qualifying sessions.
“It was a great day for the No. 10 The American Legion Honda”, said the 25-years old Spanish, who has been racing for the colors of Monaco Increase since 2019.” We were really fast all sessions. I was happy with the car on both black and red tires. We tried to improve the car for qualifying and we did. We got through the Fast 6 and will start up front, which is the main target.”
MIM’s Palou had showed confidence ahead of the racing weekend, stating that his car was ‘very fast and well suited for the Indy course’ and proving that by scoring P1 and P2 in the two free practice sessions on Friday. Palou’s qualifying result also helps him in the championship fight, as many of his main contenders had to settle with lower grid positions today. While being well aware of the challenge ahead, the current series leader has managed to put himself in the best possible condition for the 85-laps race, in which hot temperatures are expected with a chance of rain in the morning.