Alex Palou Sets Fastest Time in Opening Session at The Thermal Club

Reigning champion Alex Palou has kicked off the race weekend for The Thermal Club IndyCar Grand Prix in the best possible way by setting the fastest time in the first practice session. The Chip Ganassi Racing driver posted the quickest lap during his qualifying simulation, ahead of the Andretti Global trio of Kyle Kirkwood, Marcus Ericsson, and Colton Herta.

The session had to be halted twice due to issues faced by drivers. Robert Shwartzman’s day came to an early and abrupt end when he stopped on track in his first lap, seemingly due to an engine problem. Devlin DeFrancesco also encountered trouble, coming to a stop in Turn 1. Although the red flag had already been waved, the Canadian managed to restart his engine and continue his session.

Full results of the 1st free practice session on The Termal Club