IndyCar Sonsio Grand Prix 2025: Preview, The Favorite, And Lon...
IndyCar Sonsio Grand Prix 2025: Preview, The Favorite, And Longshots To Win
2025 IndyCar Sonsio Grand Prix Preview and Odds
The 2025 IndyCar Sonsio Grand Prix is set to bring high-speed thrills to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s 2.439-mile, 14-turn road course this Saturday, May 10, at 4:30 PM ET.
This event, the fifth round of the IndyCar series, kicks off the iconic Month of May, leading up to the Indianapolis 500 later this month.
While the Indy 500 might overshadow the Sonsio Grand Prix in prestige, the stakes remain high, with critical championship points on the line.
Here’s a deep-dive preview, exploring key storylines, notable drivers, odds, and our predictions for this much-anticipated race.
What’s New for the 2025 Sonsio Grand Prix?
One significant change for this year’s event is a new two-stint tire rule implemented to encourage more pit strategy and passing opportunities.
Teams are now required to use each tire compound (primary and alternate) for at least two stints during the race.
This adjustment could create more diverse strategies while ensuring at least three pit stops for the 85-lap showdown.
IndyCar’s decision to introduce this rule aims to spice up the racing.
Recent seasons have shown that strategy during pit-stop windows often determines outcomes for road courses.
With this tire rule in place, the Sonsio Grand Prix promises more unpredictable action on track.
Key Drivers and Their Odds
Alex Palou (-110)
The current championship leader and defending champion at the Sonsio Grand Prix, Alex Palou, enters as the favorite this Saturday. After winning three out of four races this season and finishing second at the other, Palou has been nearly untouchable. His ability to dominate both qualifying and race day, as he demonstrated last year by leading 39 of 85 laps, attests to his elite performance level. Backed by a powerhouse team at Chip Ganassi Racing, Palou is poised to extend his championship lead further.
Christian Lundgaard (+600)
Lundgaard is riding a wave of momentum after three consecutive podium finishes, including a second-place result last weekend at Barber Motorsports Park. Now driving for Arrow McLaren, he is second in the points standings and is rapidly becoming a championship contender. Notably, Lundgaard earned his first IndyCar podium at the IMS road course in 2022 and secured third place in last year’s event. His knack for mastering this track makes him a top candidate for his first career victory this weekend.
Will Power (+700)
Few drivers know the IMS road course better than Will Power, who has claimed five wins here, more than anyone else in IndyCar history. After a rocky start to his 2025 campaign, Power appears to be recovering, with consecutive fifth-place finishes heading into this race. His track record at IMS and Team Penske’s historical success (eight total wins on the road course) warrant serious consideration for Power to claim victory on Saturday.
Scott McLaughlin (+700)
Another Penske driver to watch, Scott McLaughlin, has shown flashes of brilliance on road courses. His calculated driving style and recent consistent results add him to the list of contenders.
Josef Newgarden (+1000)
Despite being slightly overshadowed by his teammate Will Power, Josef Newgarden, a past winner on this circuit, shouldn’t be overlooked. Newgarden’s aggressive driving style could play to his advantage this weekend, provided he avoids the penalties and miscues that have sometimes plagued his races.
Scott Dixon (+1200) and Colton Herta (+1200)
Neither Scott Dixon nor Colton Herta has had a breakthrough performance so far this season. However, both are capable of turning any event into a dramatic upset. Dixon’s consistency and Herta’s raw speed mean they could become factors, especially if strategy shakes up the leaderboard.
Longshots With A Chance To Win
Rinus VeeKay (+5000)
Rinus VeeKay returns to the site of his sole IndyCar victory, the 2021 Indy Grand Prix. After a strong fourth-place finish at Barber, VeeKay looks to build on his momentum and deliver another standout performance for Dale Coyne Racing.
Alexander Rossi (+3500)
Alexander Rossi may no longer be a regular podium contender, but Ed Carpenter Racing has shown growth this season, giving Rossi more chances to return to form. Rossi’s record at IMS includes top-10 finishes in 11 of 14 appearances, making him a potential sleeper pick.
Christian Rasmussen (+15000)
Though Rasmussen’s chances to win outright are slim, the rookie has impressed with flashes of potential, making him one to watch as he continues to develop within IndyCar.
Predictions for the Sonsio Grand Prix
This year’s race is shaping up to be an intense battle between established names and rising stars. While Alex Palou is the undeniable favorite, Christian Lundgaard has all the makings of a breakthrough performance. Here are our top picks for the podium:
- Winner: Christian Lundgaard
Everything aligns for Lundgaard to claim his maiden IndyCar win. His consistency, podium streak, and past success at IMS give him a clear edge.
- Second Place: Alex Palou
It’s hard to bet against the reigning champion, given his dominant form. Even if he doesn’t win, Palou will likely finish near the top.
- Third Place: Will Power
The five-time winner of this event may be slightly off his peak but has proven he knows how to bring home a strong result when it counts at IMS.
Why This Race Matters
While Saturday’s Sonsio Grand Prix serves as an appetizer to the legendary Indy 500, it carries significant weight regarding the championship standings.
With Palou threatening to run away with the title, it’s critical for his rivals, especially Lundgaard and Power, to capitalize on valuable points this weekend.
Beyond the championship implications, fans can expect an engaging contest thanks to the new tire strategy rules.
With more required pit stops, teams will have to make quick decisions, further emphasizing driver skill and strategists’ adaptability.
Final Thoughts
The Sonsio Grand Prix at Indianapolis remains a pivotal event on the IndyCar calendar.
Whether you’re rooting for Palou to continue his dominance, Lundgaard to reach new heights, or a dark horse to surprise everyone, this race has all the ingredients for an electrifying afternoon.
How to listen to the Sonsio Grand Prix.
IndyCar Sonsio Grand Prix 2025: Preview, The Favorite, And Longshots To Win was originally published on rone1075thefan.staging.go.ione.nyc