Power fastest in opening Barber practice

Will Power continued his brilliant run in the IZOD IndyCar Series by topping the combined practice time sheet for the inaugural Indy Grand Prix of Alabama presented by Legacy Credit Union.

The Australian Penske recorded a best lap of 1:11.1856s in the No. 12 Verizon Team Penske car on the 2.38-mile Barber Motorsports Park circuit. Tony Kanaan was second ahead of Power’s team-mate Helio Castroneves, Scott Dixon and Marco Andretti fifth.

Sixteen drivers were within one second of Power’s pace-setting lap, and six teams were represented in the top 10.

The other Australian in the field, Ryan Briscoe, was seventh overall.

Power, who was fastest in both sessions held today, said that qualifying will be the most important session of the weekend at Barber, which hosts its first IndyCar Series event this year and expected to be lean on passing opportunities.

“This was a good start to the weekend, but I am really aware that qualifying means everything around here,” said Power.

“This track is very physical and demanding. To me it’s really a driver’s track because there is a lot of commitment and technicality involved. The blind corners leading into fast entries require commitment if you want to be quick. I have a new group of guys this year and as the season progresses things keep getting better.”

Qualifying will be held tomorrow morning (Australian time), followed by the race on Monday morning.

For a better look at the spectacular, winding and undulating Barber Motorsports Park circuit, see video below for an onboard lap with commentary from New Zealand’s Scott Dixon of Target Chip Ganassi Racing.