Former V8 Supercars driver Mark Larkham believes that Queensland IndyCar ace Will Power could have capably managed a Formula 1 career.
Although a possible grand prix pathway did not extend beyond a one-off test alongside fellow Australian Will Davison for Minardi in Italy in 2004, Power eventually found his calling in American Champ Cars and then IndyCars.
A winner of 24 IndyCar (including two Champ Car) races, Power finally validated his career by being crowned the first Australian to carry off an IndyCar Series title.
Power first caught the eye of Larkham while he was running in Australian Formula Ford during 2001, before the now TV commentator and mentor of young talent legged him aboard his V8 Falcon for the enduros the following season.
“In terms of speed in the car definitely F1 was not beyond him,” Larkham told Speedcafe.com
“Given that F1 is predominantly road circuits I think he would have managed in that world fine.
“Would he have made the some sort of errors (as he has in IndyCar)?
“Probably and he probably would have paid a price for that, but I think he was good enough to get there.”
Larkham said the manner in which Power handled the tense title deciding Indy finale at Fontana was special.
“Those laps between 189 and 195 when he ran down low in the dust, that was just so Will. It was great risk but great reward,” Larkham said.
“When he needed it he showed maturity to get the job done.
“It’s a big deal. Look at the names on that list (of IndyCar champions).
“The IndyCar Series has now returned to a genuinely strong championship since it amalgamated with the remnants of Champ Car.
“For me that is the most important thing. It’s not fractured anymore.
“Although he went back to ninth at the end, it was a special way to win just the way he showed he could drive to the back of the field to the very front on merit.”
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