Will Power completes Rookie Orientation Program day at Indy on top

The month of May at Indy has kicked off with the Rookie Orientation Program. The Rookie Orientation Program, ROP, requires that first year drivers wishing to contest the Indianapolis 500 must compete four phases.  They must turn 10 laps at each of 200-205 mph, 205-210 mph, 210-215 mph and 215+ mph.  The first three phases must be completed on the first two days the track is open while the fourth phase may be completed during practice later in the month.

Will Power and his teammate Oriol Servia both took part and completed all four stages, with Power posting the fastest time of 220.694 mph the 11 drivers taking part. He also ran the most laps of anyone doing a full 94 laps for the day.

Commenting afterwards Power said, “The KV Racing Technology team wanted to get in as many laps as possible today, which is what we achieved.  To be quick today means we are gradually getting there and I was able to go flat the whole way.  I felt really comfortable with the Aussie Vineyards – Team Australia car and once I was able to go flat, the car felt better and I was able to start letting some of the front wing out.  The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is something I have never driven on and I found it unique because it was so fast.  It’s not really like an oval because of its four corners and flat banking, but almost a mixture between a banked oval and a road course.  It was something more than I had expected…daunting, and as far as ovals go, its more technical and therefore you can’t make a mistake.�