Sebastien Bourdais was running the second fastest lap in round two of qualifying for the Grand Prix of Portland when a non-engine related fuel issue brought an end to his qualifying session. Bourdais, behind the wheel of the No. 18 Team SealMaster – Dale Coyne Racing w/ Vasser-Sullivan car, went out in group one in the first round and posted the third fastest lap of the 11 drivers in his group to advance to the second round. In round two, he was in fourth place and seemed assured of a top-six spot, which would have put him in the Firestone Fast Six, when the issue reared its head bringing an end to his run with only two minutes to go. Bourdais will start 12th tomorrow on the 1.967-mile, 12-turn Portland International Raceway permanent road course in Portland, Oregon.
“We were working a P2 (position two) qualifying lap when we had a fuel issue. We’re not sure what caused it, but it wasn’t engine related. The SealMaster Honda No. 18 had good pace. The guys did a good job. We had a Firestone Fast Six car. Things happen, that’s racing. We’ll get after it tomorrow, do the best we can and get the best result possible.”