“Money,” Andretti said after posting a four-lap average of 231.351 mph.
The top nine drivers advance to a Sunday shootout that determines the first three starting rows for the Aug. 23 Indianapolis 500. Honda drivers claimed eight of those positions after all 33 cars had made a qualifying attempt.
Chevrolet has struggled with speed since Friday’s boost in horsepower, and the Andretti group established its fleet the fastest at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. But straight speed isn’t enough as qualifying requires drivers to string together four consistent laps in varying conditions — some drew early qualifying slots in cooler temperatures while others went out after it had climbed to 85 degrees.
It was believed drivers qualifying in the warmer temperatures would struggle, but Andretti disproved the theory when he went out 28th.
He was the only driver to crack 232 mph on a lap. Andretti leapfrogged teammates Ryan Hunter-Reay, Alexander Rossi and James Hinchcliffe.
Hamilton claims pole for Spanish Grand Prix
Lewis Hamilton narrowly secured a record-extending 92nd career pole position at the Spanish Grand Prix on Saturday.
In qualifying at Montmelo, it was a close call as he nudged Mercedes teammate Valtteri Bottas into second place by just .059 seconds.
Red Bull’s Max Verstappen qualified in third place and was .708 seconds behind.