Mike Conway crashed out just one lap into his Indy Car debut in Florida at the weekend.

The rookie Sevenoaks racer started 12th on the grid for the Streets of St.Petersburg grand prix in Florida but an early shunt left him unable to prove what he could do under race conditions.

He said: “I’m disappointed, but I learned a lot this weekend. We just need to focus on the next race and do well in Long Beach.”

Conway, 25, who moved from GP2 in the winter to join American team Dreyer &Reinbold Racing, ended up in the tyre wall after making a move on Dan Wheldon.

The team tried to repair the damage but problems with the right rear suspension meant he was unable to continue.

Round two of the series at Long Beach takes place on April 19.