Motorsport: Dixon rated in world's top five

Kiwi Scott Dixon has been rated as one of the world's five best drivers. Photo / Photosport

Kiwi Scott Dixon has been labeled one of the top five drivers on the planet and could have been a Formula 1 world champion according to former F1 driver and Le Mans winner Stefan Johansson.

Johansson, who drove for both Ferrari and McLaren, might be a little biased given he is Dixon's manager but he also knows a thing or two about racing cars at the highest level.

Speaking to Motorsport.com the Swede claimed the four-time IndyCars champion was among the very best drivers in the world.

"I rate him in the top five in the world of any driver," Johansson said.

"He really is amazing.

"I have seen him develop as a driver of the years too. Somehow every year he manages to come out a little bit better than the year before. He just works on every little detail."

Dixon has 41 career IndyCar race wins to see him lie in fourth on the all-time list and a single win shy of Michael Andretti in third place.

The 36-year-old New Zealander briefly tested a Williams Formula 1 car early in his career but it never led to a permanent move to the sport's pinnacle.

Johansson believes Dixon could have emulated what countryman Denny Hulme did in 1967 in becoming Formula 1 world champion.

"I think he would have been world champion - I really do," Johansson said. "There is no doubt in my mind. He is world champion material.

"I think any of these guys at the top level of any championship 90% is up here.

"If it was a matter of him being in the right car at the right time there is no doubt he would have been world champion."

Dixon has a narrow eight-point lead over Helio Castroneves in the IndyCars championship with six races to go in season.