Two-time Formula One champion Fernando Alonso will start fifth in his Indianapolis 500 debut after qualifying, with Australian Will Power beginning on the ninth row of the grid.
Alonso finished with a four-lap average of 231.300 mph in qualifying Sunday – after making an engine change.
The Spaniard was the first driver to top 231 on all four laps. It’s the first time he’s competed on an oval.
A few minutes later, Andretti Autosport teammate Alexander Rossi bumped him off the pole with a run of 231.487. Rossi is the defending race winner and will start third.
New Zealander Scott Dixon took the pole at 232.164.