Scott Dixon Tops Indy 500 Open Test with 225mph Lap
Scott Dixon led the Indy 500 Open Test with a top speed of 225.182mph in the No. 9 Honda during the final session of a weather-perfect day at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Orange McLaren race car in motion
The day began with delays due to an internet outage affecting communications, pushing the initial session to 12:45-2pm, where Alex Palou posted 223.303mph. The main afternoon session ran from 4-7pm under ideal 70F conditions, allowing teams to conduct race simulations.
Key performances:
- Josef Newgarden (2nd): 225.125mph
- Takuma Sato (3rd): 225.069mph
- Felix Rosenqvist: Fastest no-tow lap at 220.835mph
- Kyle Larson: Best Arrow McLaren performer (11th) at 223.430mph
Notable incidents included:
- Jack Harvey: Hybrid system failure, resolved with replacement unit
- Santino Ferrucci: Engine issue in Turn 1, replaced power unit
- Graham Rahal: Minor wall contact in Turn 3 late in the day
The test featured practice and race boost settings. Thursday's session will be crucial as the only opportunity for teams to test high qualifying boost before returning to regular power levels.
Honda-powered cars dominated the top 10, with Newgarden's Chevrolet being the sole exception. Returning veterans showed strong form, with Helio Castroneves (7th, 224.447mph) and Marco Andretti (9th, 223.602mph) both posting competitive times.
Dixon noted the hybrid system's significance: "First time with the hybrid here... I think it's going to determine a lot race-wise, maybe even for the shootout at the end."