David Malukas led this morning’s practice session at Phoenix Raceway as Team Penske left no doubt that they are the team to beat on ovals. Josef Newgarden finished third, while Scott McLaughlin finished seventh. Malkus’s fast lap of 175.605 was more than a mile an hour ahead of second place Pato O’Ward.

About halfway through the 60 minute practice, Felix Rosenqvist spun and backed into the wall, destroying both front and rear suspensions. Rosenqvist was not hurt, but the team has a busy three hours before qualifying ahead of them.

Aside from Penske’s three cars in the top 10, ECR put both of their cars in the top six with Christian Rasmussen fourth and Alexander Rossi sixth.

Andretti Global also had a pair of cars in the first 10. Will Power was fifth and Kyle Kirkwood ninth.

Mick Schumacher came in 11th fastest in his first oval session. He struggled early with tire balance but then had a solid run the final half of the session.

Points leader Alex Palou was only 18th fastest.

Notes

It took FOX more than seven minutes to show a car on track at the start of the broadcast. We know what the booth talent and pit reporters look like. I tune in to see race cars running.

IndyCar is at Phoenix this weekend in order to show off the series to NASCAR fans, yet their first time on track is a practice run in front of empty stands. I wonder how many people will be there for qualifying. If this shared weekend happens again next year, I hope the schedulers rethink this early morning practice.

Qualifying is at 2 pm Eastern on FS2.

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