Rinus VeeKay establishes himself as one of the strongest drivers in Indianapolis as Ganassi proves it can contend on all fronts. Andretti turns into a major disappointment
Saturday qualifying in Indianapolis also reserves its good stories, even if the Indy 500 in 2022 will not have Bump Day. The new format, which now classifies twelve drivers for the pole position on Sunday, generated more movement of drivers after the mandatory attempts, looking to risk a little more, and some exits even worked out, as Takuma Sato's, who also counted with the luck factor because the rain diminished a good part of the session.
With the fastest qualifying lap since 1996, Rinus VeeKay placed first. Aside from the natural favoritism he carries into Sunday, the Dutchman has already become a bit of an Indianapolis darling. In three qualifying appearances, he has advanced to Sunday in all three, even in the years when Chevrolet had the power disadvantage compared to Honda.
Carpenter has a strong track record, whether with Ed's previous poles and even Conor Daly's strong showing in 2021, when he led the most laps. Rinus is the strongest among them, so it will be no surprise to see the great Dutchman in contention for pole-position and victory next week.
But who also comes strong and prepared to break the favoritism of the Chevrolet cars is Ganassi. All five cars of the team qualified for Sunday, even drivers like Marcus Ericsson and Scott Dixon who entered the track in slightly more unfavorable situations because of the weather and the track.
Besides Álex Palou, who has already shone in 2021, the team also counts on the already winning Tony Kanaan and the "rookie" Jimmie Johnson, who on ovals, is much more of a driver than in mixed, and it is not surprising if the seven-time Nascar champion enters this fight.
Mention is also valid for the McLaren duo formed by Pato O'Ward and Felix Rosenqvist, who advanced in second and third respectively. The Mexican driver already has a good track record on ovals and was one of those who fought to win last year's edition, while the Swede, despite a lot of inconstancy, has been growing in the classifications and even has a pole position won in Texas.
The big disappointment of the day ends up with Andretti, which will have only one car starting from the top-20, with Alexander Rossi. Colton Herta was still at great risk because of an engine failure, and starting 25th, he will have a hard enough time being competitive on the 29th.
Helio Castroneves' 'Drive for Five' start was not the best. With difficulties in getting the Meyer Shank right, he will start in a frustrating 27th place, and will need to hope for chaos up front, as well as a very strong first stint, to avoid taking an early lap and stay in contention.
Sunday in Indianapolis holds new stories and the definition of the first four rows of the Indy 500. Whether it's Ganassi dominance or a "flying Dutchman" show, the race for pole position is still wide open.