Grosjean stuns with Indy pole, McLaughlin top Kiwi

Romain Grosjean claimed his first IndyCar pole position while our Kiwi duo experienced mixed results.

Grosjean will lead the field in tomorrow’s Indianapolis Grand Prix. It is the first time he will start a race on pole since his GP2 days in 2011.

“That feeling, wow, I forgot what it was,” said Grosjean

The Frenchman set the benchmark in the Firestone Fast Six but was quickly usurped by Josef Newgarden.

However, Grosjean found a further tenth on his second run to clinch the top spot.

Newgarden held onto second and will start alongside Grosjean.

Scott McLaughlin is the lead Kiwi driver and will start fifth.

McLaughlin’s best effort was less than a tenth adrift of Penske teammate Newgarden.

McLaughlin snagged a spot in the Fast Six during a frenetic Q2 session.

Will Power spun midway through the session and failed to get going.

The Australian’s best two laps were deleted and his chances of a spot in the shootout were quelled.

The consequent red flag left everyone with just four minutes to set their fastest lap.

Scott Dixon will start 16th following a disastrous day.

The championship leader lost valuable qualifying preparation in Free Practice owning to a clutch issue.

He was then eliminated in Group One, failing to show any promise.

It wasn’t much better for Chip Ganassi teammate Marcus Ericcson, who will start 15th.

Alex Palou was the lead Chip Ganassi Racer, qualifying just ahead of McLaughlin in fourth.

It was a disappointing session for NASCAR legend Jimmie Johnson who will start 23rd.

The GMR Grand Prix is scheduled to begin at 6.30 am tomorrow.