Will Power will start from fifth position for tomorrow’s Rexall Edmonton Indy after a strong performance in the #8 Aussie Vineyards – Team Australia car at the Edmonton City Centre Airport circuit in Canada today.
This is Power’s fourth top five qualifying performance this year, including qualifying fourth at the Champ Car finale in Long Beach in April.
Power, who was fastest in practice yesterday, maintained that form into Friday’s activities and was second fastest behind Helio Castroneves in this morning’s practice session.
The driver from Toowoomba, Queensland was one of six drivers that progressed to the third and final segment of qualifying – the Firestone Fast Six – but could not replicate his earlier speed and qualified in fifth position for tomorrow’s 95-lap race.
The Australian, who claimed pole for the Edmonton Champ Car event last season, is confident that he has a consistent Aussie Vineyards – Team Australia car over a race distance and that he can move forward in the race.
Fellow Australian Ryan Briscoe claimed the PEAK Motor Oil Pole Position today ahead of his Penske team-mate Helio Castroneves and Power’s KV Racing Technology team-mate Oriol Servia.
Will Power: #8 Aussie Vineyards - Team Australia Honda/Dallara/Firestone
“It was good to get to the Firestone Fast Six, but I’m just disappointed to have ended up in fifth,” said Power.”
“The Aussie Vineyards – Team Australia car has been very good and the KVRT team has done a great job all weekend.”
“It’s just frustrating for me because in that last session I tried hard and just didn’t have enough. We have the race tomorrow so I’ll look forward to that.”
“It was very competitive in qualifying today. It’s a long race tomorrow and we’ll be right there. I’ve very happy for the team to have two cars in the top five.”
Craig Gore: Aussie Vineyards - Team Australia
“Will is a little disappointed that he did not get a front row starting spot but tomorrow is a long race,” said Gore.
“The Aussie Vineyards – Team Australia car is running well and it’s a credit to the entire KV Racing Technology outfit that both cars are going so well. I can’t say enough about the effort and dedication that the entire team has put in this season.”
“Edmonton is a great track and one that really tests the drivers. Will has proven that he is a very capable driver and he’s certainly got what it takes to get on the podium tomorrow and challenge for the win.
“Fingers crossed that we will be able to celebrate with a glass of Au wine tomorrow after a good result.”
RESULTS: PEAK Motor Oil Pole Qualifying
1. #6 Ryan Briscoe 1:00.7311
2. #3 Helio Castroneves 1:00.8360
3. #5 Oriol Servia 1:00.8584
4. #9 Scott Dixon 1:00.8585
5. #8 Will Power 1:01.0154
6. #02 Justin Wilson no time
7. #18 Bruno Junqueira 1:01.2911
8. #06 Graham Rahal 1:01.4573
9. #10 Dan Wheldon 1:01.6656
10. #19 Mario Moraes 1:01.7552
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