Felix Rosenqvist led Fast Friday, weather will be a factor: ‘It’s just one of those months’
TL;DR
Felix Rosenqvist topped the Fast Friday practice for the Indianapolis 500 with a speed of 233.372 mph. He noted that the speed didn't feel as significant from inside the car.
Key points
- Felix Rosenqvist led Fast Friday practice
- Top speed recorded was 233.372 mph
- Speed felt different from inside the cockpit
- Weather is expected to be a factor
- Practice precedes qualifying weekend
Felix Rosenqvist led Fast Friday, weather will be a factor: ‘It’s just one of those months’
INDIANAPOLIS -- Felix Rosenqvist led the final Indianapolis 500 practice before qualifying weekend, topping Fast Friday’s speed chart with a top speed of 233.372 mph.
But the Meyer Shank Racing driver admitted the speed didn’t feel obvious from inside the cockpit.
“I thought we were pretty far off,” Rosenqvist said.
Still, when the boost was turned up and teams began revealing their true qualifying form, Rosenqvist found his way to the top.
“Sometimes that happens,” he said. “Once you find the will of speed, it kind of comes.”
Through the rain, race fans make their way into the infield Friday, May 15, 2026, ahead of practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Rain falls Friday, May 15, 2026, ahead of practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
A person walks in the rain near the pagoda Friday, May 15, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
The unveiling of the Moster Jam truck attempting to break a world speed record was delayed due to rain Friday, May 15, 2026, during Fast Friday practice ahead of the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
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Photos: See day 4 of 2026 Indy 500 practice on 'Fast Friday' at Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Through the rain, race fans make their way into the infield Friday, May 15, 2026, ahead of practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
1 / 4
Photos: See day 4 of 2026 Indy 500 practice on 'Fast Friday' at Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Through the rain, race fans make their way into the infield Friday, May 15, 2026, ahead of practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
2 / 4
Photos: See day 4 of 2026 Indy 500 practice on 'Fast Friday' at Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Rain falls Friday, May 15, 2026, ahead of practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
3 / 4
Photos: See day 4 of 2026 Indy 500 practice on 'Fast Friday' at Indianapolis Motor Speedway
A person walks in the rain near the pagoda Friday, May 15, 2026, during practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
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Photos: See day 4 of 2026 Indy 500 practice on 'Fast Friday' at Indianapolis Motor Speedway
The unveiling of the Moster Jam truck attempting to break a world speed record was delayed due to rain Friday, May 15, 2026, during Fast Friday practice ahead of the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
And after his first time leading Fast Friday, Rosenqvist is no longer downplaying expectations heading into qualifying.
“Excited for tomorrow,” Rosenqvist said. “I didn’t really go into the day thinking we might have a chance on pole. Now, I’m kind of hungry for it.”
Rosenqvist will be the 11th driver in Saturday’s qualifying order — a draw he welcomed.
“I think early is always good here,” Rosenqvist said.
Rosenqvist’s closest challenger Friday was Alexander Rossi, who posted the second-fastest speed at 232.932 mph. Rossi said qualifying may ultimately come down to weather, especially with conditions changing by the day.
“It’ll all depend on what we get weather-wise,” Rossi said. “That’s the name of the game around here.”
Rossi noted the unpredictability has defined much of May.
“It’s just one of those months in Indianapolis, where you get two or three days of consistency, and it flips on its head,” he said.
Rosenqvist agreed that shifting conditions could reshape the qualifying picture, but said Meyer Shank Racing has grown comfortable adjusting to different weather offsets.
“Weather is always tricky,” Rosenqvist said.
Jessica Garcete is an IndyStar sports reporter. Get IndyStar's motor sports coverage sent directly to your inbox with our Motor Sports newsletter. Subscribe to theYouTube channel IndyStar TV: IndyCar for a behind-the-scenes look at IndyCar and expert analysis.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Felix Rosenqvist, Alexander Rossi on weather, Indy 500 qualifying
Q&A
What speed did Felix Rosenqvist achieve during Fast Friday?
Felix Rosenqvist achieved a top speed of 233.372 mph during Fast Friday.
What is Fast Friday in relation to the Indianapolis 500?
Fast Friday is the final practice session before qualifying weekend for the Indianapolis 500.
How did the weather impact the Indianapolis 500 practice sessions?
Felix Rosenqvist mentioned that weather will be a factor during the practice sessions leading up to the Indianapolis 500.
Which team does Felix Rosenqvist drive for in the Indianapolis 500?
Felix Rosenqvist drives for Meyer Shank Racing in the Indianapolis 500.
