Dual in Detroit 2013: Dario Franchitti scores pole for first race but will start11th

Dario Franchitti captured the pole for Detroit Dual race No. 1 but will have to rally from 11th on Saturday afternoon as a result of a 10-spot grid penalty due to an engine change prior to the Indianapolis 500.

Franchitti earned his 31st-career Indy car pole on Friday afternoon, setting the bar in the Firestone Fast Six with a lap time of 1 minute, 19.331 seconds around 13-turn temporary street course, during the 10-minute final session.

Franchitti had believed himself an unlikely choice to set fast time and was slowest in a Friday practice session that was marred by changing weather conditions, so he’s thrilled with the result.

“I think I was a longshot to get through Q1; I did four laps in practice this morning,” Franchitti said. “It was interesting obviously with the rain in the first session, getting through in that, and then the drying track and fully drive in the end, so we had all the conditions there.

“I have to thank the engineering group. We had a really tough Indianapolis and to back with a pole is great, obviously with a 10-spot grid penalty. I’ll do the best from where we start.”

The pole was Franchitti’s second of the season and tied Sebastien Bourdais for seventh all-time. They are both one behind Michael Andretti. Friday’s pole was also Franchitt’s first in seven attempts at Belle Isle.

EJ Viso was second (1:19.557) for Andretti Autosport, tying his best-career qualifying effort from last month in Brazil. As a result of the Franchitti penalty, Viso will assume the first starting spot for Saturday’s race. Joining him on the front row will be road course ace Mike Conway, driving for Dale Coyne Racing in just his second start of the season.

James Jakes, Ryan Hunter-Reay and Alex Tagliani completed the Firestone Fast Six.

The complete starting lineup for race No. 1 can be found below.