McLaren struggles continue ahead of last-chance qualifying
The six drivers due to fight for the final three slots on the Indy 500 grid got only 20 minutes of practice this morning before rain hit IMS, and Fernando Alonso’s McLaren-Chevrolet had a major setup issue.

Carlin-Chevrolet’s Max Chilton and Patricio O’Ward, along with Arrow Schmidt Peterson Motorsports-Honda’s James Hinchcliffe, and Dreyer & Reinbold Racing-Chevrolet’s Sage Karam hit the track at the green flag.
Hinchcliffe in the #5T car, following his shunt in qualifying, completed mock qualification runs alongside Karam in the low-228/high 227 range.
O’Ward was struggling in the 225s, while Chilton’s three laps went from 227.4 down to 226.1 before he pitted due to his engine running too hot.
More Indy 500 insights :
When Alonso hit the track, the #66 McLaren appeared to be running much too low, striking sparks and smoke, and he was called in for adjustments. He went back out and the friction appeared reduced but not cleared, so again he pitted for adjustments. While remedial work started, the rain started falling hard enough to bring out the yellows and the track was ‘lost’.
Kyle Kaiser in the Juncos Racing-Chevy was a no-show.
The rain had stopped but has now returned, ruining IndyCar’s intention for the Fast Nine contenders to get a 30min practice at 12.45pm local time. However, it has now been clarified that the Last Row contenders will not be granted any more practice time.

Previous article
Ericsson shines in preparation for Indy 500 debut
Next article
IndyCar updates schedule for last row qualifiers, pole shootout

About this article
Series | IndyCar |
Event | Indy 500 |
Author | David Malsher-Lopez |
McLaren struggles continue ahead of last-chance qualifying
Trending
IndyCar: Romain Grosjean tests the car
IndyCar Rookie of the Year: Rinus Veekay
IndyCar: Scott McLaughlin's rookie testing
Is Arrow McLaren SP ready for IndyCar’s title fight?
With Patricio O'Ward and Felix Rosenqvist leading its line-up, 2021 could be the year Arrow McLaren SP-Chevrolet joins the IndyCar elite, writes David Malsher-Lopez.
Dale Coyne picks the Top 10 drivers in his giant-slaying team
Over 37 seasons, Dale Coyne has run no fewer than 80 Indy car drivers – including himself! Ahead of his first season running Romain Grosjean, we asked Coyne to pick the best 10 drivers ever to compete for him. By David Malsher-Lopez.
Why enigmatic Marco Andretti will be missed
Last Friday, Marco Andretti announced he is withdrawing from fulltime IndyCar racing. David Malsher-Lopez explains how this third-gen racer was a puzzle in the car, but a straight shooter off-track.
Why Roger Penske is an American motorsport icon
In this exclusive one-on-one interview, Roger Penske reveals the inner drive that has made him not only a hugely successful team owner and businessman but also the owner of Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IndyCar. He spoke to David Malsher-Lopez.
Is the mighty McLaren M16 the greatest ever Indy car?
When founder Bruce McLaren died in June 1970, his team could have folded. Instead, his loyal band rallied to produce a string of winners - including an Indy car game-changer that won three Indy 500s in six years.
How Newgarden delivered his best season, yet still lost
Josef Newgarden was our pick as top IndyCar driver of 2020 but his finest season-long run of performances failed to yield the championship. David Malsher-Lopez explains why.
2020 IndyCar Review and Top 10 drivers of the year
David Malsher-Lopez explains how the 2020 NTT IndyCar Series was unlike any other, and why it featured familiar and unfamiliar faces competing for glory.
How Dixon won his sixth IndyCar title, in his own words
Chip Ganassi Racing’s newly crowned six-time IndyCar champion Scott Dixon takes us round by round through his remarkable season. David Malsher-Lopez listens.