Toronto – EL1: Kirkwood fastest

Kyle Kirkwood (Andretti) was the fastest in the first free practice session of the weekend in Toronto, where Nolan Siegel (Arrow McLaren) made his return.

Seeing the Andretti driver at the top of the timesheet after the first session of the weekend on the streets of Toronto is no surprise. Indeed, the American has won the last two rounds held on street circuits (in Long Beach and Detroit), and the Andretti team is historically fast on these types of tracks. Colton Herta also won the Toronto race in 2024, ahead of Kirkwood.

Set out on the streets of the Canadian city, the Toronto circuit nevertheless changes character from year to year, as the asphalt deteriorates. The fastest driver of the day, for example, was surprised by the lack of grip encountered during the first session of the weekend: “It’s definitely difficult because it’s probably the lowest level of grip I’ve driven in IndyCar for a very long time", did he declare. "It's because we don't have a lot of support races here, certainly."

Scott McLaughlin (Team Penske) finished the session in second place, a tenth off the fastest time. Championship leader Álex Palou (Chip Ganassi Racing) started his weekend on the right foot with the third fastest time. Marcus Armstrong (Meyer Shank Racing) and Will Power (Team Penske) rounded out the top five in a session that saw many drivers get caught out at Turn 5. The Australian from Penske pointed to Turn 8 as an area that has been significantly altered by the passage of time.

“There’s a huge new bump at the end of the straight towards Turn 3. It’s a real pain in the back when you hit it, and it’s right in the braking zone, so it makes it quite tricky!”

A second free practice session will take place this Saturday at 16:30 p.m. French time, before qualifying at 20 p.m., in preparation for the thirteenth round of the 2025 IndyCar season.

IndyCar – Toronto Grand Prix
The ranking of Free Practice 1

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