Pato O’Ward set the fastest pace in pre-qualifying practice for the XPEL Grand Prix at Road America, recording a top lap of 1 minute, 44.0029 seconds. According to official INDYCAR timing, the Arrow McLaren driver leads a field of contenders heading into NTT P1 Award qualifying, as he seeks his first win of the 2025 season.
Why Pato O’Ward’s performance matters for the 2025 season
O’Ward is currently fifth in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES standings, trailing championship leader Alex Palou by 103 points. Despite finishing as the series runner-up in 2024, the Mexican driver has yet to secure a victory this year, with his best results limited to three fourth-place finishes, per official series data. A strong qualifying run at the 14-turn Road America circuit serves as a critical opportunity for O’Ward to bridge the gap to the front-runners.
Road America is a 4.014-mile circuit, making it one of the longest and most physically demanding tracks on the NTT INDYCAR SERIES calendar.
How the rest of the field stacks up
Marcus Armstrong secured the second-fastest time at 1:44.1097 despite battling the flu, according to INDYCAR practice reports. Scott McLaughlin followed in third at 1:44.3108. The top five was rounded out by David Malukas in fourth and rookie Caio Collet in fifth. Collet’s performance remains notable as he continues to compete while recovering from fractured ribs sustained during a crash at the Indianapolis 500, as reported by INDYCAR officials.
What challenges does Alex Palou face at Road America?
Reigning champion Alex Palou finished the pre-qualifying session in sixth place with a time of 1:44.5117. Palou, who is the defending winner of this race, is attempting to secure a record-setting fourth victory at the track since 2020. While he holds a significant lead in the season standings, his drop from third place in Friday’s practice to sixth on Saturday indicates an increasingly competitive field as teams adjust their setups for the 55-lap race.
Watch the qualifying session closely on FS1 or the INDYCAR Radio network. Track position at Road America is vital for tire management during the long, high-speed straights.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the fastest driver in Saturday’s practice?
Pato O’Ward recorded the fastest lap at 1 minute, 44.0029 seconds in the No. 5 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet.
When is the race for the XPEL Grand Prix?
The 55-lap race is scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. ET on Sunday, broadcast on FOX, FOX One, FOX Deportes, and INDYCAR Radio.
Where can I find the official practice results?
Official timing and scoring documents are hosted by the INDYCAR timing portal.
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