Dominguez replaces Gommendy

The 31-year-old Mexican, who originally came to this race to chauffeur passengers in the Minardi F1x2 two-seater car, has been drafted in following the discovery that Gommendy sustained an edema of two thoracic vertebrae in his crash in Friday qualifying.

He will be re-evaluated by Dr. Terry Trammel next week in Indianapolis according to Champ Car Director of Medical Affairs, Dr. Chris Pinderski.

"I know Tristan is very disappointed, but when yesterday's MRI revealed the edema of two thoracic vertebras, the doctors determined that he could not race today," said PKV Racing co-owner Jimmy Vasser. "Tristan has done an outstanding job for PKV Racing so far this year and we expect that he will continue do an outstanding job for us as soon as he is cleared to race again."

Commenting on the selection of Dominguez, Vasser said: "Mario is a fast and reliable driver. He is the most experienced driver (particularly with the new car) available and we are confident he can get the job done.

Dominguez, who has two Champ Car victories to his name, raced for Forsythe Championship Racing in the opening three rounds of the season before being replaced by Oriol Servia. He commented: "This is never the way you want to get to race, but I am honoured and pleased that PKV Racing has given me this opportunity," Dominguez said.

"I feel bad for Tristan. He has done a great job this year and I am sure he will be back very soon. I want to thank Kevin Kalkhoven, Jimmy Vasser and Mark Johnson [PKV team manager] for this chance and I will do my best to live up to the confidence the team has placed in me and give them the results they deserve."