Will Power has been denied an opportunity to challenge for a podium finish in the Peak Indy Grand Prix at Infineon Raceway after brake failure ruined his chances in Sonoma, California today.

The rear master cylinder in the braking system on the #8 Aussie Vineyards – Team Australia car failed early in the race while Power was running in third place.

The Australian driver did his best to push on despite the problem but as his braking performance deteriorated there was little Power could do.

As a result of the braking problem, Power ran down the escape road at the chicane on the back part of the circuit several times, with officials giving him a drive through penalty on lap 58 for shortcutting the circuit via the escape road.

In the closing stages of the race Power was trying to nurse his car home to the finish, but with three laps remaining Power hit the tyre wall at the chicane with his brakes severely deteriorating.

The incident ended Power’s day, a frustrating one for the 27-year-old driver and his Aussie Vineyards crew after starting from third position and maintaining that place with ease over the first 18 laps before the first round of pit stops.

Helio Castroneves won today’s Peak Indy Grand Prix at Infineon Raceway ahead of his Penske team-mate Ryan Briscoe and Tony Kanaan.

Power will look to put today’s bad luck behind him next weekend with the Detroit Indy Grand Prix at the Belle Isle street circuit in Detroit, Michigan.

WHAT THE TEAM HAD TO SAY …

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

“My rear master cylinder failed early in the race and that pretty much ended any chance we had of competing for a podium finish,” said Power.

“It’s a real shame, the Aussie Vineyards crew worked so hard and we had a really good car in qualifying and early in the race.”

Craig Gore: Aussie Vineyards - Team Australia

“It was just one of those days that can happen from time to time in this sport,” said Gore.

“Once the brake problem hit Will tried his very best, but as things got worse he went into survival mode. In the end we could even get it to the finish.

“It was a tough day for the whole Aussie Vineyards crew but we showed in the first part of the race that we belong right up there among the front bunch of cars.

“Will is an ace on street circuits so we will all put this behind us and look to bounce back in Detroit next weekend.”

RESULTS: Peak Indy Grand Prix at Infineon Raceway
Race 15 of the 2008 IndyCar Series
1. #3 Helio Castroneves 80 laps
2. #6 Ryan Briscoe
3. #11 Tony Kanaan
4. #10 Dan Wheldon
5. #7 Danica Patrick
6. #33 EJ Viso
7. #4 Vitor Meira
8. #06 Graham Rahal
9. #02 Justin Wilson
10. #19 Mario Moraes
25. #8 Will Power 77 laps