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Power speeds over Sao Paulo street course to snag another pole

Allan Brewer, IndyCar correspondent

Will Power, Verizon Team Penske Chevrolet

Will Power, Verizon Team Penske Chevrolet

James Holland

Power claims Sao Paulo pole to keep streak alive

Team Penske's Will Power continued his run of pole-taking qualifications sessions in Sao Paulo, Brazil on Saturday, earning his fourth consecutive record-setting start at the head of the IndyCar field. Power sped over the 2.5 mile course to the fastest lap of 112.591 mph (a new track record) and bested Dario Franchitti of Ganassi Racing for the first spot on the starting grid.

"It was satisfying, especially knowing that Honda seems to have an advantage on the straights at the moment, so being on pole is a good start to the weekend," said Power, who has won the past races of the season from ninth and 12th on the starting grid. "I have a feeling it’s going to be wet, or maybe wet-dry for the race so it will mix things up a lot."

I have a feeling it’s going to be wet, or maybe wet-dry for the race so it will mix things up a lot.

Will Power

Franchitti, who has struggled to find the right combination for a win so far in the young 2012 season, offered up some optimism to the fans. "We off-loaded with a good car of the truck and made some improvements to it," he said. "I’m a bit disappointed in qualifying, especially because the time is in the car. The time was in the car, I didn’t put it together. I’m a little disappointed in myself but at the same time I feel a lot more happy than I have in the last few races."

Scott Dixon placed third despite an off-course excursion in Turn 9 in the final qualifying session, followed by James Hinchcliffe of Andretti Autosports; teammate Ryan Hunter-Reay and Dale Coyne Racing's Justin Wilson filled the third row.

“I guess four is the number of the day: fourth place, fourth time in the Firestone Fast Six," said Hinch afterwards. "We were 11th in the first practice, sixth in the second and now we qualified fourth. We’re steadily improving and if we can keep that trend up for the race we’re looking good.”

Rubens Barrichello, competing in his first IZOD IndyCar Series race in his hometown, missed advancing to the second round by 0.0243 of a second and will start 13th.

The green flag drops at 11AM EDT on on NBC Sports Network on Sunday for the 75-lap race on the 11-turn street circuit. {{

Dario Franchitti, Target Chip Ganassi Racing Honda
Dario Franchitti, Target Chip Ganassi Racing Honda

Photo by: James M. Holland

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