De Ferran delighted with debut podium

The two-time Champ Car champion had to start from the back of the grid in his De Ferran Motorsport Acura because he had to change tyres after a spin at the end of qualifying, but charged through the field in the race.

His co-driver Simon Pagenaud briefly led before one of its pitstops and they finished third overall, behind the two Penske Porsches.

"It was a really great day for us," said de Ferran. "To get on the podium, and finish so close to the leader is a fantastic result.

"I had to be careful coming from the back of the pack but the end result is outstanding, I couldn't be more pleased. Simon did a brilliant job, but for me sitting on the pit wall the final 10 minutes seemed to take forever."

Pagenaud, who was also making his sportscar debut, added: "I really enjoyed the race. It was probably the best race I've had in my career.

"The first few laps after I got in the car was pretty tough, making my way through some of the GT cars. But the car was getting better as the race went on and I was pushing very hard towards the finish trying to catch the Porsche.

"The most stressful part for me was sitting on the sidelines when Gil was in the car, that was a new experience for me."