Dixon quickest in opening practice session

The Target Chip Ganassi driver was clocked at 26.608 seconds (205.648 mph) around Motegi's 1.5-mile oval, on his penultimate lap.

Dixon won the Indy Racing League opener at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Tony Kanaan, who won last month at Phoenix International Raceway, had the second-fastest lap of Thursday's early session - 204.168 mph.

The Toyota/G Force combination posted four of the fastest five laps during the session, with Dixon's team-mate Tomas Scheckter third-fastest at 204.057 mph. Mo Nunn Racing team-mates Felipe Giaffone and Tora Takagi had the fourth and fifth fastest laps of the two-hour session.

Two replacement drivers also performed well during the session. Dan Wheldon, stepping in for Dario Franchitti, had the 10th fastest lap, while Alex Barron, filling in for Gil de Ferran, was 12th fastest of the 24 cars in the session.

Franchitti is recovering from injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident last week in Scotland. De Ferran is recovering from injuries sustained in a crash at the Phoenix race. Both are expected to return next month for the Indianapolis 500.