Scott Dixon tops opening practice as Indycar rolls out in St Pete

Six-time Indycar champion Scott Dixon topped the timesheets in the first session of the season opener in St. Petersburg.

Scott Dixon went fastest in opening practice in St Petersburg. (Joe Skibinski / INDYCAR)

The New Zealander set a time of 1:01.6145 in the #9 PNC Bank Chip Ganassi Racing Honda to best the field in the opening practice session.

“The first session was a little messy,” said Dixon.

“The session ran really long, an hour and 15 minutes, which was good.”

“A couple sets of tires for most of the field.”

“We ended up at the top, which is a nice way to start the weekend.”

“Now the tough part is trying to stay there.”

The field returns for another practice session, live on Stan Sport at 2am Sunday, followed by qualifying at 6.15am from the streets of St Petersburg, Florida.

Competition is already tight, with the top 23 drivers separated by less than a second.

2021 winner Colton Herta was second fastest, with 2021 season champion Alex Palou in third.

Aussie Will Power was eighth fastest, followed by debutant Kiwi Marcus Armstrong in ninth.

Despite winner the race last time out, Kiwi Scott McLaughlin was one of the drivers to be caught out by the tight limits of the street circuit, finishing 10th overall despite brushing the wall and damaging a toe link.