St Pete – EL1: Newgarden fastest, Pagenaud 5th

Josef Newgarden (Penske) was the fastest during the first free practice sessions in St Petersburg, with a lap of 1'00"8029.

He was ahead of his teammate, Will Power, by less than a hundredth, and Colton Herta (Andretti), by three hundredths, minimal gaps reflecting the density of the grid.

Team Penske was particularly successful, with a 5th fastest time for simon pagenaud in 1'00"899, while the rookie, Scott McLaughlin, set the 8th time. “This weekend we have a very good car, we want to take advantage of it” declared the Frenchman at the end of the session.

Pretty good practice to open up the weekend at @GPSTPETE! 

1st - @josefnewgarden / @hitachiastemo / @Hitachi_US
2nd – @12WillPower / @Verizon 5G
5th - @simonpagenaud / #AustralianGold / @MenardsRacing
8th - @smclaughlin93 / @deximaging #INDYCAR | @TeamChevy pic.twitter.com/IXaJvlxQb6

— Team Penske (@Team_Penske) April 23, 2021

For his first steps on an urban route in IndyCar, Romain Grosjean (Dale Coyne Racing) set the 19th fastest time in 1'01"605.

Still on the tricolor side, Sébastien Bourdais (AJ Foyt Racing), had to settle for 14th time, in 1'01"269. Twice winner in St Pete, where he lives, the Le Mans driver caused a red flag at the end of the session after going straight at the 10th turn, and then stalling in the run-off zone.

The 45-minute session was interrupted at the start due to a timing problem.

After a second practice session, qualifying will take place on Saturday (2:19 p.m. HF), and the race on Sunday (45:18 p.m.).