Fastest times on Friday, McLaughlin and Palou packed in by Arlington

If the pilots ofIndyCar While some drivers had the opportunity to test the new Arlington track in simulators, the arrival at the new Texas circuit, which connects the stadiums of the Dallas Cowboys (NFL) and Texas Rangers (MLB), seems to have been a unanimous surprise, and in a good way. Scott McLaughlin, who set the fastest time in the first free practice session, made no secret of his admiration for the new street circuit on the calendar.

“I imagine you think I’m paid to say this, but it truly is the best street circuit I’ve ever ridden on in my career. There’s a very long straight (over a kilometer – Ed.), which is very bumpy, making it difficult to judge where to brake. Then there are several technical corners, but also some that require a certain level of commitment. It’s really great, and it’s a pleasure to learn this circuit and improve on it.”

Designed in partnership with the Cowboys and Rangers, this new event is intended to be the foundation for future IndyCar events, starting with the 250th anniversary of American independence race in August in Washington DC. Pato O'Ward (Arrow) McLaren), had expressed his admiration for the infrastructure on Thursday during the trackwalk, stating: "This is bad news for other promoters, because they will have to invest to reach this level; this should be the standard for all IndyCar races."

A front-row view to the fastest street circuit in INDYCAR history 🍿 pic.twitter.com/ulmhkTC9LN

- NTT INDYCAR SERIES (@IndyCar) March 13, 2026

While the engine manufacturers did not have precise data on the surface of this street circuit, McLaughlin explained that he was surprised by the bumpy side, which reminded him of the Nashville circuit, where IndyCar raced three times in the early 2020s, before relocating to the oval.

“The back straight is so bumpy, it surprised both the team and me. We definitely had to raise the ride height. After that, in turn 10, it’s very slippery on a brick section; it’s a circuit with a lot of character, it’s a lot of fun. I feel like it’s like a big Nashville, a bit more open.”

Palou loves a "crazy" circuit

Four-time champion of the discipline and winner of the last three crowns, Álex Palou seconded his opponent's comments, showing his astonishment at the fun he gets from this track which on paper is not very special, but which is revealing itself in all its glory this weekend.

“I love it. Yes, it’s insane. It’s super fun to drive. It’s much more fun than I thought it would be, just from the feel in the car. There are so many different corners. Some you can attack really hard, and you feel like a superhero. Others where you have to slow down because the grip is very different.”

Although he set the second fastest time in practice, Palou doesn't see himself at the front yet, explaining that it's very easy to make a mistake in the car's setup before FP2 and qualifying on Saturday, as the circuit is made up of three very distinct sectors.

"It's difficult to set up the car because you can't have a setup that's too aggressive in one direction or the other, since what you need from the car is constantly changing. You need different things depending on the sectors of the lap."

See you at 19:30pm for qualifying and at 18pm this Sunday for the race, the first on an Arlington circuit which so far satisfies the drivers!

IndyCar 2026 – Arlington
Free Practice 1 results

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