Indy 500 – Alonso in danger, Pagenaud and Bourdais in contention for pole

The first day of qualifying for the 103rd edition of the Indy 500 made it possible to establish a hierarchy on the grid, with a section which will compete for the first nine positions on the grid, the positions from 10th to 30th place known, and the competitors in danger who will have to fight for the last positions.

Fernando Alonso (McLaren) is one of the drivers who will have to fight for the last three remaining places on the grid. Accidented last Wednesday, the double champion F1 missed the Top 30 and will have to face Carlin drivers Max Chilton and Patricio O'Ward as well as Sage Karam (Dreyer & Reinbold Racing) and Kyle Laiser (Juncos Racing) in the second part of qualifying scheduled for this Sunday. James Hinchcliffe (Arrow Schmidt Peterson Motorsport) will also have to try his luck again after crashing in turn 2.

The French fared better since simon pagenaud (Team Penske) and Sébastien Bourdais (Dale Coyne Racing) have qualified for the “Fast Nine” where the pole will be decided. The 2016 champion set the 3rd time behind the reference of Spencer Pigot (Ed Carpenter Racing) and Will Power (Team Penske), while the four-time Champ Car champion finished in 9th place.

The weather remains uncertain for this Sunday with Chance of Rain which could disrupt qualifying.