Will Power will start from 12th position in the Detroit Indy Grand Prix after a crash ended the Australian’s qualifying session early at the Belle Isle street circuit in Detroit, Michigan today.

Power set a time of 1min12.9377secs in the first segment of qualifying, the fourth fastest time in that segment overall and the second fastest time in his group.

But after completing just one flying lap, Power crashed the #8 Aussie Vineyards – Team Australia car into the barrier, heavily damaging the left rear corner of the car.

The Aussie Vineyards crew attempted to fix the damage before the next segment of qualifying, but to no avail and Power was given the 12th starting position for tomorrow’s race (the fastest 12 cars progressed to the second segment of qualifying).

Power was fourth fastest in practice earlier today, showing his true potential around the tight and twisting Belle Isle street circuit. Yesterday in practice, Power set the 11th fastest time.

Power, race engineer Dave Faustino and the entire Aussie Vineyards crew will now work hard overnight to not only repair the accident damage, but plan a race strategy to aid Power’s charge up the order in tomorrow’s 90-lap race.

Scott Dixon won today’s PEAK Motor Oil Pole Award in Detroit today ahead of Helio Castroneves and Power’s KV Racing Technology team-mate Oriol Servia.

WHAT THE TEAM HAD TO SAY …

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

“It’s a very disappointing qualifying session for Aussie Vineyards – Team Australia guys,” said Power.

“I only managed to get one good lap in the first round, but it still got me into the top 12.

“The car was really quick, but I brushed the wall and damaged it. The crew did a great job trying to fix it. We just didn’t have enough time to get it all done.

“We’ll start 12th tomorrow and try and do a good job in the race.”

Craig Gore: Aussie Vineyards - Team Australia

“It’s disappointing that the crash prevented Will from qualifying further up the order but we will put this behind us and look towards the race,” said Gore.

“With a Smart strategy we can overcome this setback. At a tight street circuit like Detroit the race can be won or lost in the pit lane on strategy because passing opportunities are limited.

“Will is keen to fire up for tomorrow and get the Aussie Vineyards car right up there by the finish. I am confident Team Australia will have a better day tomorrow.”

RESULTS: PEAK Motor Oil Pole Qualifying
Top six times set in separate Firestone Fast Six shootout
1. #9 Scott Dixon 1:12.2861
2. #3 Helio Castroneves 1:12.7649
3. #5 Oriol Servia 1:12.9618
4. #02 Justin Wilson 1:13.0530
5. #6 Ryan Briscoe 1:13.1004
6. #06 Graham Rahal 1:13.6464
7. #17 Ryan Hunter-Reay 1:12.9511
8. #11 Tony Kanaan 1:13.2339
9. #33 EJ Viso 1:13.5354
10. #7 Danica Patrick 1:13.9158
12. #8 Will Power no time

2008 IndyCar Series Points Standings - After Race 15
1. #9 Scott Dixon 576
2. #3 Helio Castroneves 533
3. #10 Dan Wheldon 452
4. #11 Tony Kanaan 446
5. #6 Ryan Briscoe 390
6. #7 Danica Patrick 345
7. #26 Marco Andretti 327
8. #27 Hideki Mutoh 315
9. #5 Oriol Servia 313
10. #17 Ryan Hunter-Reay 310
15. #8 Will Power 277