PORTLAND, Ore. — Felix Rosenqvist was the fastest on track after the checkered flag dropped, and when he completed his circuit around the 12-turn, 1.964-mile Portland International Raceway, he had his second NTT P1 Award in 2026.
“It was a phenomenal team effort, huge thanks to Meyer Shank Racing and Honda,” said Rosenqvist, winner of the 110th Indianapolis 500. “We have the Grateful Dead car at Portland again this weekend. A little gesture to all the fans that wished to have it back. It’s great to get a pole in a beautiful car like that.
“We didn’t do anything magical. We just prepared the car. It was very tight until Fast Six. Super cool.
“I’ve been on both ends of the chicane and historically, the leader is in pretty good shape. What a car, huge thanks to the team again and will enjoy that pole for tomorrow.”
Alex Palou, who leads the NTT IndyCar Series standings by 83 points over David Malukas, was second at 58.5012 in the No. 10 DHL Honda for Chip Ganassi Racing.
“It’s so close,” Palou said. “It hurts when it’s that close. Happy for Felix, but man, it was so close. There is never a perfect lap, but it’s great starting on the front row tomorrow, especially for Turn 1.”
Andretti Global’s Will Power was third at 58.5130 in the No. 26 Honda.
“I had a big spin up at the exit of Turn 7,” Power said. “Very nice job for the team. We’ve got good cars. Man, I’ve been close to poles a few times this year. Great job for Honda, TWG and all the guys on this team. We’re having a great time together.”
Marcus Ericsson was the second Andretti Global driver in the Fast Six. He was fourth at 58.6729 in the No. 28 Honda. Rinus VeeKay was the only Chevrolet driver in the Fast Six. He qualified fifth at 58.7701 in the No. 76 Juncos Hollinger Chevrolet. Kyffin Simpson of Chip Ganassi Racing was sixth in the Fast Six at 59.0841 in the No. 8 Sunoco Chevrolet.
Four drivers took “Banker Laps” with 3:30 left in the Firestone Fast Six, as the fast laps were planned as the clock wound down.
With one minute remaining, Palou was the fastest at 58.5012 followed by Ericsson’s 58.6729, and VeeKay’s 58.8588.
But Power and Rosenqvist were in the green in the sectors around the track. Rosenqvist went to the top with a fast time of 58.4828 and Power spun his tires coming out of Turn 7, thwarting his effort to make a last chance run for P1.
