INDYCAR: Power paces Belle Isle practice

Will Power threw down a challenge and monster lap in Friday's opening practice at Detroit's Belle Isle circuit.

Winless since last year at the IMS road course, Power ran a lap of 1:15.019 in the Verizon Chevrolet – a full half-second ahead of teammate Helio Castroneves at 1:15.500 and nearly a second faster than his own track record.

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Chevrolet-powered cars won the first five races of 2016 prior to last month's Indianapolis 500, and they held the first four spots during the 75-minute hot-lap session prior to qualifying.

Scott Dixon timed a lap of 1:15.754 in the Target Chevy and points leader Simon Pagenaud was at 1:15.9 in the third Team Penske car.

James Hinchcliffe led the Honda contingent with a lap of 1:15.903 in the Arrow Honda -- just a tick ahead of Graham Rahal's 1:16.029 in the Steak & Shake Honda.

Juan Montoya was 13th in the fourth Penske entry, while Indy 500 winner Alexander Rossi was 19th out of the 22 cars posting times.

Miikhail Aleshin had to sit out the final 10 minutes after causing two red flags.