Alexander Rossi performed admirably in Qualifying at Road America taking his first pole position in three years ahead of Team Penske’s Josef Newgarden.

The Andretti Autosport driver set a very impressive 1:44.8656 in the Firestone Fast 6 just a tenth quicker than Newgarden with Alex Palou in third.

Rossi set his best time on the Primary tyres while Newgarden chose the red Alternate rubber along with Indy 500 winner Marcus Ericsson and Pato O’Ward.

The pole sitter was delighted with his efforts in Qualifying and explained his choice to use the black tyres instead of reds: “I think the Firestone blacks, the primaries, were a pretty easy decision based on what Josef did last year. I think you saw quite a few guys besides myself on them as well. 

“It's just with the nature of the track, it being so long, a new black is usually a little bit better than a used red. That being said it was still a lot of work to get it done. Happy we were able to achieve it. 

The 30-year-old also said he was happy with the car in Practice and Qualifying but warns race pace on Alternate tyres is vital. 

He said: “I was obviously happy with it yesterday. I think fortunately qualifying, you know, the primary tire was the preferred tire because I think our balance is a bit better on that tire. 

“So we were trying to bring it a little bit more into the window on the alternates. I don't think we quite got there so we definitely have some work to do from that standpoint to make sure we still have pace in the race tomorrow on the alternate.”

Newgarden will start second in Wisconsin but the American driver is still keeping an eye on Will Power who will start in P15 after a lacklustre session.

He said: “The race is very different than qualifying. We'll have to see how that works out. Tires, in my opinion, are quite different this year. 

“So it will be interesting to see some guys that didn't transfer, like a Will Power, for instance, it will be interesting to see how they utilize their reds and things like that.”

Romain Grosjean just missed out on the Fast 6 and Qualified in seventh place for Andretti Autosport after setting just one timed lap in the Fast 12.

Callum Ilott had a mixed session showing great speed for Juncos Hollinger Racing but caused a red flag after an unfortunate shunt at the last turn.

The Briton will line up in P12 for the Sonsio Grand Prix at Road America out qualifying the much more experienced Helio Castroneves and Takuma Sato.