"We are excited to bring the American equivalent of Formula 1 racing to Europe," said event promoter Bart Rietbergen.

Next to Heylen, Robert Doornbos also had many fans as the track lies close to his native country, the Netherlands.

Team Minardi USA driver Dan Clarke was suspended by Champ Car race director Tony Cotman for reckless driving and avoidable contact at the start of Friday's first free practice session, and thus did not participate for the remainder of the weekend.

Clarke had been placed on probation after an incident with Justin Wilson at the San Jose Grand Prix.

Severe damage to Heylen's car prevented him from taking part in Friday's qualifying session.

Next to him was Dale Coyne Racing's Bruno Junqueira, who gave the long-struggling team its highest grid position since the 1999 Grand Prix of Long Beach.

With that stop, Bourdais re-inherited the lead, while behind him Junqueira clung to second place while saving fuel at the same time.

Not an insurmountable lead, but one that leaves his challengers with an insignificant chance of preventing the capture of his fourth straight Champ Car title.