Scott McLaughlin fastest Chevy as Herta tops Alabama practice

Scott McLaughlin was fifth fastest on Friday in Alabama as Colton Herta led the opening Indycar practice session.

Scott McLaughlin in Alabama on Friday. (Penske Entertainment Co)

McLaughlin was the fastest Chevrolet driver in the #3 Sonsio Team Penske Chevrolet with a best lap of 1:06.8705 around Barber Motorsports Park, just under four tenths behind Herta.

“I was really happy with how the car was,” said Herta.

“We were one of the lucky ones that got to test here (recently), so we did a lot of stuff on that day to help us prepare for this weekend, and it showed."

"We came in here and rolled off the truck, and the car was really nice right away.”

Colton Herta was fastest in Friday practice in Alabama. (Penske Entertainment Co)

Defending race winner and series leader Alex Palou was second fastest.

Scott Dixon was sixth in the opening day with Will Power in sixteenth.

The Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama presented by AmFirst continues with practice at midnight Saturday (AEST) followed by qualifying at 3am, before lights out at 3.05am Monday morning.