Palou Leads Sole Friday Practice
The newly crowned five-time champion Alex Palou picked up right where he left off, leading the lone Friday practice session as the IndyCar field got its first taste of the California sunshine this weekend.
The track proved to be a difficult challenge, with an aging surface, high track temperatures and strong wind gusts kicking dust across the circuit. The tricky conditions caught out several drivers, including Nolan Siegel, Santino Ferrucci, Scott Dixon and Josef Newgarden.
Pato O'Ward, meanwhile, continues to ride the confidence wave coming off his dominant Milwaukee weekend.
O'Ward put his McLaren into third during Friday's session, while his teammates struggled further down the order, with one in 16th and the other in 18th.
The strong showing comes amid some heated comments from O'Ward regarding Christian Lundgaard's earlier remarks about McLaren's oval program being built around the Mexican driver.
When asked about Lundgaard's comments, O'Ward didn't hold back.
"He is full of shit."
This weekend will also serve as a send-off for several drivers ahead of major moves for 2027.
Scott Dixon is set to depart Chip Ganassi Racing, while Felix Rosenqvist will leave Meyer Shank Racing. Both drivers are expected to join Arrow McLaren next season, making this weekend their final races with their current teams.
Saturday Outlook
Practice 2: 1:00 PM ET
Qualifying Round 1: 4:30 PM ET
Qualifying Round 2: 5:25 PM ET
Firestone Fast Six: 5:50 PM ET
Final Practice: 8:00 PM ET
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