Will Power is eager to make amens for a disastrous race at Barber Motorsports Park with back-to-back wins at the INDYCAR GP this weekend.

Following his early exit from the race and subsequent criticism of IndyCar race control, Power is anxious to move past the mistakes and remonstrations. “After a couple weeks off, I’m ready to get back at it”, explained the 2014 series champion.

“We had a rough go of it at Barber, but we’re putting it behind us.”

Power fell foul of heavy rain in the early laps of the race, crashing just prior to the decision to red flag the race.

The 32-time race winner described the call to start the race as “very dangerous”. Though he was able to continue the restarted race the next day, the Penske driver came home a lowly 21st. Dropping him to 10th in the point standings.

Power: we’re going to have a good shot at winning

The Aussie however could not hope for a better circuit to head to as he seeks to restart his championship challenge.

Power is the reigning INDYCAR GP race winner and polesitter, and is confident about returning to one of his favoured tracks: “Historically, it’s been one of our better tracks as a team, and I think we will be really strong and I know we’re going to have a good shot at winning there again.”

Only 4 races into the 2018 Verizon IndyCar Series season, Power needs a strong result this weekend to prevent another championship challenge effectively ending before mid-season. 77-points now separate Power from points leader – and Penske teammate – Josef Newgarden.

Power faces stiff challenge from buoyant Newgarden

On the back of Newgarden’s second win of the season at Barber, the reigning IndyCar champion is in buoyant mood.

“I’m feeling really good about it”, explained the 27-year-old during preparations for this weekend’s road course event.

“My team put together a really strong car at our last road course event at Barber, which won us the race. Now, we’re headed to the INDYCAR GP and the guys have put together what I’m sure will be another super-fast No. 1 Verizon Chevrolet.”

Power remains confident for the month of May

Despite a shaky start to the season and the gap to Newgarden and the other early season frontrunners, Power remains confident that round 5 of the championship could represent a turning point: “Last year we won the INDYCAR GP in the No. 12 Verizon Chevy and I see no reason we can’t do it again.”

The INDYCAR GP race weekend starts with first practice on Friday, May 11 from 9.15am and second practice from 12.30pm. Qualifying for the Verizon P1 Award then starts at 4.30pm with live streaming of all sessions here.

Drivers will take the green flag at 3.45pm Saturday, May 12 for the INDYCAR GP and 85-laps of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course with live coverage exclusively on ABC.

*All times are local.