Scott Dixon finished the opening practice session of the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach fastest for Chip Ganassi Racing, after a frantic opening 45 minutes of track action around the iconic Californian street course.
Despite topping the time sheets, the four-time champion was one of many drivers to make a minor mistake around the bumpy street course, running straight on at Turn 1 during the closing seconds of the session.
Veteran Helio Castroneves completed a late lap to slot into second for Penske, offering hope for the Chevrolet-powered cars after Honda comfortably dominated proceedings at the sharp end of the order.
St. Petersburg race winner Sebastien Bourdais ended the session third fastest for Dale Coyne Racing, with the Frenchman’s competitive start to the 2017 season looking set to continue.
Bourdais sat at the top of the timings for a brief moment during the early stages of the session, and is hunting for his first back-to-back victory in 10 years.
James Hinchcliffe and the Chevrolet-powered Penske of Will Power rounded out the top five, ahead of reigning Indianapolis 500 champion Alexander Rossi.
Ryan Hunter-Reay was seventh for Andretti Autosport, ahead of Tony Kanaan. The Brazilian veteran initially set the pace at the start of the session, despite making a brief error and running straight on at Turn 8.
Reigning champion Simon Pagenaud was the third and final Chevrolet-powered car to finish in the top 10, ending the session ninth overall. Mikhail Aleshin rounded out the top 10, with the Russian racer one of the many drivers to make an off-track excursion throughout the session.
Further down the order British racer Max Chilton ended proceedings 21st and last after a frustrating start to his weekend, with the former Formula 1 racer hindered by a suspected electrical fault.
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