De Ferran third despite illness

The defending CART champion was suffering from a severe upset stomach and did not feel well enough to attend the post-qualifying press conference.

"Gil has a mild case of gastrointeritis and dehydration," stated CART's Director of Medical Affairs, Dr. Steve Olvey. "He came in to the CART Medical Center this afternoon so we could do a fluid replacement. He is expected to be fine for tomorrow's race."

"I've been really happy with the Marlboro car all weekend," said de Ferran in a team statement. "I would have liked to have gotten the pole, but considering the circumstances, I think we had a good run."

"Last year, we were first and ninth on the grid and only ended up with a best of sixth in the race," noted Penske Racing President Tim Cindric. "Obviously you want to be first, but we're pleased with third and fourth, especially with Gil feeling under the weather. Helio (Castroneves) had a great lap going until he caught some traffic, but everyone has the same story at a track like this."