Following a thrilling race at Barber Motorsports Park, Team Penske’s Will Power has criticised the next-generation aeroscreen that was introduced last weekend In Long Beach.
The goal of the change was to reduce the weight of the device which it has by 11.1 pounds. However other adaptations have not proved as successful with vents added to the screen with the intention to increase overall driver cooling, as well as a front duct directing air to the driver’s chest.
The new screen has not been a welcome addition so far with many drivers, such as Power, struggling with a lack of airflow into the helmet.
“It was a tough race, man. Like, the car is so hot now, you don’t get any air. No air comes in these vents, no air comes in the helmets. They got to do something there.”
The Australian, who finished P2 at Barber, was pleased with his performance as he made the 3-stop strategy work like teammate and race winner Scott McLaughlin.
However, he voiced his frustration over his victory drought which has now lasted 686 days. His last win came almost 2 years ago at the final race to be held at the historic Belle Isle Circuit in Detroit.
“The one thing that I’m missing is a win. That’s really starting to add weight to me. I want to get a bloody win. I was a little disappointed not to win when I have the chance like that.”
Despite the lack of a win, Power currently sits second in the Drivers’ Championship, only one point behind championship leader Colton Herta. A welcome result for both him and Team Penske after the disappointment of last week where they were found guilty of breaking the rules regarding push-to-pass.
Power was docked ten championship points, a more lenient penalty in comparison to his teammates who were disqualified from the season opener at St Pete. This was because despite having the access to push-to-pass on the start and restarts, he did not activate it.
When asked about his championship aspirations, he said: “I would say after this week I think Roger would be pretty happy. I feel like if we’ll be like this every weekend, I think we’ll have a shot if we get it right. Obviously an unbelievably fierce field of very fast drivers.
“It’s very difficult to win multiple races in a season. If you keep knocking on the door and getting podiums week in, week out, you’ll certainly be in the hunt for the championship.”
Like many other drivers, he was also asked if he had any run-ins with IndyCar’s new favourite mannequin “Georgina” who during the race, fell from the bridge between turns 7 and 8 on lap 52, before being saved under caution as Sting Ray Robb crashed out at turn 1.
Power, who originally thought the caution was brought out because of the doll, had a laugh about it.
“Yellow comes out and there’s a lady lying on the side. You’re kidding me, there’s a yellow for that lady (laughter)? That would have been funny if it came in someone’s cockpit. There’s a lady attacking me (laughter).”
His search for a win will continue in two weeks’ time as the IndyCar circus heads to the Indianapolis Road Course to kickstart the famed month of May with the Sonsio Grand Prix on the 11th.
