Qualifications Day 2: Report "I feel good, I feel great. This is the biggest race in the world, it's very special event."
Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Sunday 21 May
Fernando takes the coveted title of Fastest Rookie at today's qualifying shootout at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway after finishing the session in fifth place.Â
With only 4.5 hours of practice remaining, split between Monday and Friday, the focus now shifts to the race package and optimizing the fleet for 500-miles of racing.Â
FERNANDO ALONSO, McLaren Honda Andretti driver
|  | Starting postition: 5 |  | Qualifying Speed: 231.300 mph |  |
“The car was on the limit, but I don't know if it was possible to be on pole position, but definitely very close. I had an overboost problem in lap 2 out of the last corner, and it was like hitting the brakes. I went one gear down and started again picking up the speed, and I crossed the line and it was 30.7 or something like that. When I thought it was 225 or something, I nearly came to the pit lane because this qualifying run is over with this problem.Still running, still putting the laps together, and then I was happily surprised with the total time.
"The team did a very good job changing the engine in record time this morning. Guys from all six cars were working together on my car, it was great.
"I feel good, I feel great. Obviously, this is the biggest race in the world, and it felt that way from the very beginning here but now with the weekend and you pick up the speed and you feel it even more and more with the fans coming in for qualifying now. This is a very special event."
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