Based on the evidence of the opening day of qualifying, both teams have the potential to take the top spot with multiple drivers – as engine manufacturers Chevrolet and Honda also go head-to-head.
Although the Chevrolet-powered McLaren scored a 1-2 on Saturday, with Felix Rosenqvist and Alexander Rossi, Ganassi’s Alex Palou set his third-quickest run at one of the warmest times of the day.
Like McLaren, Ganassi has all four of its cars in the Fast 12 session, from which drivers can transfer to the Firestone Fast Six shootout for pole.
“We feel confident,” said Palou. “That doesn't mean that we feel like it's going to be easy to get into the Fast Six or fight for pole. But we feel confident that we have speed.
“It's just going to take four amazing laps, no mistakes, try and get a consistent third and fourth [lap]. I have confidence in my car, but at the same time I'm not underestimating anybody on the Fast 12.
“It's great to have four cars again in the Fast 12. I think it's pretty tough to do it, especially nowadays, how tight the field is.”
When asked if he’ll make set-up tweaks to his Dallara-Honda, Palou added: “Yeah, we'll make a couple of changes. Motorsport is about improving. Feels like it's limitless. We can go the other way, but we'll keep trying.”
Source: Autosport