Will Power has qualified in 12th position for the Camping World Grand Prix at Watkins Glen International in Watkins Glen, New York today.
The Australian driver will be one of the cars to watch in tomorrow’s 60-lap race around the 11-turn permanent road course, showing his road racing skills in the #8 Aussie Vineyards – Team Australia Honda/Dallara/Firestone.
Power was fifth fastest in practice yesterday and today was again on form, making it through as one of 12 cars to advance to the second segment of qualifying.
Power was one of the fastest cars on the track in the second segment and was in third place when he spun his Aussie Vineyards car. As a result he was penalised and his two fastest times were disallowed, dropping him to 12th fastest and meaning that he did not advance as one of the top six to the final stage of qualifying.
Fellow Aussie Ryan Briscoe won the PEAK Motor Oil Pole Position at Watkins Glen today ahead of Justin Wilson and Ryan Hunter Reay.
Will Power: #8 Aussie Vineyards - Team Australia Honda/Dallara/Firestone
“It’s very disappointing,” said Power.
“The Aussie Vineyards – Team Australia car has been very quick all weekend and I didn’t need to screw up in Turn 7.
“We will be starting 12th tomorrow which doesn’t make things very easy. I’m not sure how difficult it is going to be to pass on this circuit, but we will make the most of our opportunities and try and move up the grid a bit and get some championship points.”
Craig Gore: Aussie Vineyards - Team Australia
“It was really unfortunate that Will had the spin and it’s put him back outside the top 10 when he was a good chance of being in the top three or even getting pole,” said Gore.
“But just like every race in the IndyCar Series, it’s a long race and pit strategy and cautions will have a lot of bearing on how the race pans out.
“The Aussie Vineyards car is as quick as any other out there and when it comes to the street and road course races, Will is a sensational talent.
“The job will be a little bit harder from P12, but I’m confident Will and the Aussie Vineyards crew still have what it takes to stand on the podium and even grab our first IndyCar win. It will be a great race.”
RESULTS: PEAK Motor Oil Pole Qualifying
1. #6 Ryan Briscoe 135.787mph (single lap average speed)
2. #02 Justin Wilson 135.734
3. #17 Ryan Hunter Reay 135.348
4. #9 Scott Dixon 135.285
5. #5 Oriol Servia 135.241
6. #11 Tony Kanaan 134.809
7. #26 Marco Andretti 134.805
8. #14 Darren Manning 134.729
9. #10 Dan Wheldon 134.715
10. #4 Vitor Meira 134.626
12. #8 Will Power 130.656*
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