De Ferran’s injuries catch up with him

The 33-year-old suffered shunts at both the Phoenix and Homestead ovals in the past fortnight, the latter crash caused by a tyre which lost a tread. Although X-rays on his feet proved he had no fractures, he has decided against racing in the opening round of the International Race of Champions at Daytona Speedway next Friday due to the amount of bruising he received. NASCAR Winston Cup racer Tony Stewart, a former Indy Racing League ace, will take his place.

"Gil has no stock car experience and has never driven at Daytona," said IROC President Jay Signore. "The extent of Gil's injuries, further complicated by a rigorous testing schedule, would not give him adequate time, if any, in our cars before the race. Right now it is our intention to give Gil the time he needs to heal in order not to jeopardize preparation for his championship-defending season."

The decision means that Kenny Brack is the only Champ Car representative in IROC at the series opener. De Ferran's replacement Stewart commented: "My wishes are for Gil to get better soon, I'll be doing my best for him in the race on Friday."

De Ferran will attempt to test his Penske-run Reynard-Honda today at the Sebring road course in Florida, but his place in Friday and Saturday's IRL 'Test in the West' at Phoenix is in doubt. Both de Ferran and team-mate Helio Castroneves are scheduled to enter the Phoenix IRL opener and Indy 500.