Hunter McElrea happy with fifth in Alabama practice after "messy" start to Indy Lights weekend

Hunter McElrea was fifth fastest in Indy Lights practice in Alabama with Danial Frost topping the timesheets.

The Kiwi sees more potential in both himself and the #27 Andretti Autosports car.

"We rolled out a little bit like we didn't expect to," said McElrea

"I'm honestly happy to end up fifth with how messy it was."

"We'll dial it up more, I'll do a better job and get the car better, and hopefully stick it on pole."

Hunter McElrea was fifth-fastest on Friday in Alabama. (Penske Entertainment Co)

Aussie Matthew Brabham was sixth, just under eight hundreds of a second behind McElrea after 24 laps.

"I was second quickest after the first little run."

Brabham says the team made setup changes after the first run, with the shift lights failing during the session.

"I was just guessing where to shift gears."

"I think I'm starting here with a lot more pace than I started at St. Pete."

Matthew Brabham on Friday at Barber Motorsports Park. (Penske Entertainment Co)

Singaporean Danial Frost was fastest with a time of 1:12.6511 around Barber Motorsports Park.

“We’re just kind of getting in the rhythm of things and starting off the weekend pretty well,” Frost said.

“It’s always about momentum, so we’ve got a good start."

"I think it’s going to be pretty good for the rest of the weekend right now.”

“Now we have to keep digging in and looking for more time, because these guys are going to be doing the exact same thing."

“Fourteen cars behind me looking for the same spot as I am."

"I have to do the actual work and now look for where I can find a little bit more.”

The Indy Lights field will hit the track for one more practice session before qualifying at 3am on Sunday morning (AEST), with the race at 12.55am on Monday morning.