Alex Palou has secured pole position for the Freedom 250 Grand Prix, the IndyCar series' first-ever street race through Washington, D.C. The four-time series champion topped qualifying after a practice day marked by drivers adapting to the tight, seven-corner circuit, and he now has the chance to clinch the championship outright during the race itself.

The event is notable both as IndyCar's debut on the streets of the US capital and as a race that could turn out to be a one-off, adding extra significance to the occasion. Palou had already shown strong pace, topping the final practice session, which was interrupted by multiple red flags as competitors navigated the challenging, unfamiliar track layout.