Scott McLaughlin on pole at Barber, Grosjean 11th, Pourchaire 24th

Scott McLaughlin (Penske) took pole position for the third round of the 2024 IndyCar season at Barber Motorsports Park.

Published on 27/04/2024 à 23:00

Michael Duforest

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Scott McLaughlin on pole at Barber, Grosjean 11th, Pourchaire 24th

© Penske Entertainment: Chris Jones

McLaughlin managed to beat the performance of his teammate Will Power, who once again had to settle for second place on the starting grid. The New Zealander, winner on this same circuit last year, gained momentum throughout the session to take the sixth pole position of his career.

Author of the best time in Q2, Christian Lundgaard (Rahal Letterman Lanigan) had to settle for third place in Q3. A performance which confirms his team's renewed form on road circuits, after a very good end to the 2023 season which notably saw it win on the streets of Toronto. Pato O'Ward (McLaren) will accompany him in the second line.

Felix Rosenqvist (Meyer Shank) qualified once again in Q3 and will start fifth, ahead of Marcus Armstrong (Ganassi), for whom it was his first participation in “Fast 6”.

Disappointments at Ganassi

The surprises came more from the drivers eliminated in Q2, starting with the champion IndyCar in title Alex Palou (Ganassi). The Spaniard had by far the best time in Q1, even combining the performances of the two groups. However, he was unable to do better than 10th in Q2, and it is from this position that he will start tomorrow.

He will start one place in front Romain Grosjean (Juncos Hollinger). The Frenchman had high hopes after his second place in FP3, but also failed to find the key to qualifying in Q3.

Scott Dixon (Ganassi) did not manage to overcome the pitfall of Q1. The championship leader will start from 13th position on the grid, but if there is one driver who can come back, it's him! Theo Pourchaire (McLaren) was in good spirits in the middle of Q1 but fell back in the standings as the laps progressed on softs. The Frenchman will start 24th this Sunday.

The big disappointment is Rinus VeeKay (Carpenter). The Dutchman, best time in EL3, suffered an engine problem. He was therefore unable to complete a second lap in Q1, and will have to start from the 27th and last position on the grid, this Sunday at 19:30 p.m. French time.

Barber – Q1 – Group 1

Barber – Q1 – Group 2

Barber – Q2

Barber – Q3

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