The 2025 IndyCar season kicked off with Kyle Kirkwood leading the first practice session at St. Petersburg, setting a fastest lap of 1m00.441s in his No. 27 Honda for Andretti Global.

The practice session was divided into three segments, with Honda-powered cars dominating each:

• Main session (45 minutes): Alex Palou led with 1m01.211s
• First qualifying simulation: Kirkwood topped with 1m00.441s
• Second qualifying simulation: Colton Herta fastest with 1m01.060s

Notable incidents during practice:

• Meyer Shank Racing teammates both spun in Turn 3
• Felix Rosenqvist completed a 360-degree spin without contact
• Marcus Armstrong stalled backward, causing the session's only red flag
• Scott McLaughlin hit the wall in Turn 3 as time expired, requiring suspension repairs

Kirkwood, who won twice on street circuits in 2023, expressed confidence in the team's street course performance while noting improvements needed on road courses and ovals. He aims to build on their strong finish from last season to contend for the championship.

Teams will return to the track for Saturday morning's practice session at 10 a.m. ET.

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