Felix Rosenqvist secured the inside of Row 2 for the 2026 Indianapolis 500 after turning a 231.375 mph qualifying effort on the 2.5-mile Indianapolis Motor Speedway oval.
The 34-year-old Swede will line up with another strong chance to chase the result that has eluded him by the smallest of margins. Rosenqvist has finished fourth twice in the Indianapolis 500, and this month’s speed at Indianapolis suggests he arrives again with a car capable of fighting near the front when the 200-lap race starts Sunday, May 24, 2026, at 12:45 p.m. ET.
That pace did not come out of nowhere. Rosenqvist had consistently strong practice runs last week and topped the speed chart in the early rounds of qualifying on May 17, before translating that form into the 231.375 mph run that locked him into a prominent starting spot.
For Rosenqvist, the starting position matters because Indianapolis rewards clean air, track position and patience. The 110th running of the race brings the same old challenge at a track where small gaps in speed can decide whether a driver spends the afternoon leading or simply trying to make up ground.
There is still a gap between qualifying speed and race-day reward. Rosenqvist has shown he can produce fast laps and he has come close before, but the Indianapolis 500 has a habit of reducing even the best-prepared contenders to a long exercise in survival. TV coverage is on Fox, with Will Buxton, James Hinchcliffe and Townsend Bell listed for coverage.
Rosenqvist Indy: Felix Rosenqvist Qualifies Inside Row 2 at 231.375 mph.
