INDYCAR: Penske confident of Power's readiness

Penske Racing President Tim Cindric says the team will not have a reserve driver on standby for Will Power this weekend at Phoenix.

Veteran driver Oriol Servia stood in for Power at the last minute in St. Petersburg (BELOW) when the Australian, who was suffering from an inner ear infection, crashed in practice, was later misdiagnosed as having a concussion, and was ruled out from taking part in the season opener.

"We know there will be some [available] drivers in the paddock, and we know where Oriol will be if there's a need, but we don't expect Will to have any problems," Cindric told RACER.

Power participated in a series-wide test at Barber Motorsports Park two days after the St. Pete race, and Cindric says the driver of the No. 12 Verizon Chevy showed no lingering signs of illness.

"Will was good at Barber, so that was an indicator of how he was feeling," he added.

Servia, who manages the Dragon Racing Formula E team, is not expected to be onsite in Phoenix as the all-electric open-wheel series will be in action at Long Beach this weekend, but says he will be prepared if there's a need.

"It was an amazing experience; for 15 years I was idealizing what it would be like to drive for Team Penske, and it was only one day, but everything was perfect," Servia told RACER. "I know my good friend Will Power is in good shape, and if they need me, I'll do everything I can to help."

Phoenix marks the second time in Power's Indy car career where he'll head into the second race of the year sitting last in points. He earned one point at St. Pete for pole position, and sits 50 points behind teammate and championship leader Juan Montoya. 2008 was the last time the 34-year-old was in this position after placing last at the Homestead opener due to a mechanical issue.

"We've got some digging out to do," Cindric conceded.

Practice for Power and the rest of the field for the Desert Diamond West Valley Phoenix Grand Prix starts on Friday.