2010 IndyCar Series Sao Paulo opener won by Power15/03/2010

Power wins first race of the 2010 IndyCar Championship

Australia's Will Power claimed victory in the rain shortened IndyCar season-opener held on the streets of Sao Paulo circuit, Brazil on Sunday 14th March.

The Team Penske driver made a late move on American driver Ryan Hunter-Reay of Andretti Autosport, claiming the lead with only three laps remaining. Power crossed the finish line 1.858 seconds ahead of Hunter-Reay, with the race ending with only 61 of the 75 scheduled laps completed. It is Power’s second ever IndyCar victory.

Brazilian Vitor Meira finished third in front of his home crowd, followed closely by compatriot Raphael Matos.

Firestone tires were great

"It was a fantastic day. Coming back after breaking my back and to win, I was crying on the slow-down lap. We had a quick car and when they said I could run full rich, I just went for it. It was good, very good. The Firestones were great. I ran all primaries and you saw at the end there, I had no problem with them. They were great."
Race winner Will Power, #12 Team Penske Dallara/Honda/Firestone

2010 IndyCar season gets off to great start with Firestones

"What a way to start the 2010 season! This was a crazy race from start to finish, with the changing weather, passes and crashes. Through it all, the Firestone tires did their job in all conditions. For Will Power to clock the fastest lap on a set of primary Firehawks with 24 race laps on them - and they even had additional laps from a previous use this weekend - speaks volumes on how the tires performed on this abrasive and bumpy circuit, not to mention Will's confidence in them. It is sensational to see Will and Vitor Meira back on the podium in their first race back since both suffered serious injuries last season. And Ryan Hunter-Reay certainly showed he will need to be reckoned with this year. It's been an excellent inaugural event in Sao Paulo, with lots of great exposure for the city and the Firestone brand thanks to our teammates at Bridgestone Brazil. We cannot wait to return in 2011."
Joe Barbieri, Manager, Firestone Racing