I'd think if you smelled gas, that it's not the fuel pump. By the way, on a fuel injected car, you should never press or pump the gas pedal when trying to start it. That only works for carbureted engines. Sounds like ignition to me. Check the wiring to the coil pack and make sure the plug wires are on tight at both the plugs and the coil pack. How long has it been since you put in new plugs? Let us know what you find. Also, is it Zetec or Duratec (4 or 6)?

'99 Sport TropicGreen,Duratec, SVT exhaust, Brembo rotors, Ceramic pads, K&N filters(oil & air), Alpine CDM7874, Polk DB570 speakers front and rear. Fog light mod. 50% Formula One tint.