Alex Palou has said he think it is better to "have your closest competitor close" as Pato O'Ward lines up behind him for this afternoon's race.

The battle for the INDYCAR championship heats up, as Alex Palou and Pato O'Ward start first and second for Sunday's race at Laguna Seca.

A lack of representative practice time meant some runners were battling setup through the IndyCar qualifying session