Will Power has again impressed in preparation for his first Indianapolis 500, finishing the first day of official practice as the top rookie at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indiana today.

Power put the #8 Aussie Vineyards – Team Australia Honda/Dallara/Firestone in 11th place at the end of the day, where 33 cars hit the track as veteran drivers joined the rookies for the first time this month.

The Australian was actually the tenth fastest driver today, with Helio Castroneves posting times in the top 10 in two cars.

Power again improved his times today as the 27-year-old from Toowoomba in Queensland gradually improves this speed of his Aussie Vineyards car as he gains experience around the 2.5-mile oval.

Marco Andretti was fastest on the first day of official practice today, ahead of Tony Kanaan and Scott Dixon.

Power will be back on track tomorrow for the second day of official practice, where even more cars are expected to join the field.

WHAT THE TEAM HAD TO SAY …

Will Power - #8 Aussie Vineyards - Team Australia Honda/Dallara/Firestone

“It was a good day considering we started off with pretty bad balance in the Aussie Vineyards – Team Australia car,” said Power.

“We were able to come back at the end of the day with very nice balance, very neutral.

“Our Aussie Vineyards crew has just got to work on the little things now … try and find little bits of speed everywhere, because I want to get up there and try and qualify in that top 11 on Saturday.”

Craig Gore - Aussie Vineyards - Team Australia

“It’s been a great start to the month and again Will and the Aussie Vineyards team have got the job done,” said Gore.

“Will has got up to speed very, very quickly and so far has done an outstanding job.

“From here Will and the crew just need to work on very small incremental improvements in many areas on the car to edge closer and closer to the top guys.”

RESULTS: Official Practice - Day 1
1. #26 Marco Andretti 226.599mph
2. #11 Tony Kanaan 225.269
3. #9 Scott Dixon 225.011
4. #6 Ryan Briscoe 224.804
5. #10 Dan Wheldon 224.727
6. #3 Helio Castroneves 224.576
7. #12 Tomas Scheckter 224.436
8. #15 Buddy Rice 224.170
9. #7 Danica Patrick 224.095
10. #3T Helio Castroneves 223.550
11. #8 Will Power 223.461