Spanish driver Álex Palou of Chip Ganassi Racing surprised himself and his team by taking pole position for the Indianapolis 500, scheduled for May 24. Speaking at a press conference on Sunday, Palou called the achievement unexpected: "Yesterday was perfect. We didn't expect this. Sometimes you know you have a good car, like in 2023 or 2022, when we had a rocket on the track. We didn't expect it. In the end, we were more aggressive and it worked out. It was a surprise."
The four-time IndyCar champion posted an average speed of 232.248 miles per hour over four laps at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, securing his second pole in the event after 2023. Despite the advantage, Palou downplayed the importance of the starting position: "It's a normal race, though it has big consequences. I'd rather start first, but as long as we run good strategies and are among the top eight by the end, we'll have a chance."
The Spaniard highlighted his progress compared to last year, when he won the race: "I have more confidence and more experience than last year, I feel better, but that doesn't guarantee us anything. This race is different every year. Last year, I was at the front the whole time and never left the top five, it was a calmer race. We're in a better place than last year."
Palou also acknowledged that he needs to improve the race car, especially in traffic: "We have a good car, I'm happy, but I think we're missing a little, because I've seen some that go faster. Conor Daly and the Penskes are very quick, especially Daly is a rocket. In practice, you follow them and they can overtake when I can't. This afternoon and on Friday, we'll work on the race car in traffic."
Regarding the occasional boos he receives, the driver said they motivate him: "It motivates me, but it's not a 'now you'll see' thing. Usually it's not mean-spirited, it's not aggressive, it's some boos and that's fine. I have more fans than people who don't want me to win. It means we're doing an incredible job and they don't know what to say anymore. I'd rather have everyone support us, but that's the fun of the sport, the rivalry between some and others."
Asked about his future ceiling, Palou said: "I think it's hard to know. I feel better and more experienced every day, experience counts a lot and I try to drive better each time, but you never know if there's more. I think so, but we'll see in a few years."