INDIANAPOLIS - Alex Palou had his best qualifying attempt on his final four-lap run Sunday and took his second career Indianapolis 500 pole with an average speed of 232. 248 mph.
He's the first defending champion to claim the No. 1 starting spot since 2010.
He's the only starter on the 33-car starting grid with a qualifying average topping 232. Alexander Rossi will start a career-best second after going 231. 990. He'll start between Palou and Team Penske driver David Malukas on the front row in next Sunday's sold-out race.