- News>
- Motorsports
Zanardi to make racing return
Oct 14: Alex Zanardi will compete for the first time in two years in the final round of the European Touring Car Championship.
Oct 14: Alex Zanardi will compete for the first time in two years in the final round of the European Touring Car Championship.
The Italian, who lost both his legs in a crash during a Cart race in 2001, will drive a modified BMW 320i for Ravaglia Motorsport at Monza on Sunday.
"After my accident my biggest dream was to carry my son on my shoulders," said the 36-year-old double Cart champion.
"My next dream was to race a car again. I never thought it would end up like this," he added. Zanardi's car has its accelerator and clutch attached to the steering wheel.
Last month, he tested the car for the first time in 20 practice laps at Monza, achieving times in line with other drivers in the touring series.
Zanardi lost his legs in a horrific crash during a Cart series race in Germany in September 2001. Dr Claudio Costa, who has monitored Zanardi's rehabilitation since the accident, said the driver's achievements since the accident were inspirational.
"His example sends a message to humanity," said Dr Costa.
But the 36-year-old driver has ruled out a permanent return to competitive racing. "This is my last race. There are plenty of things I do now beyond the track," he said.
Bureau Report
"After my accident my biggest dream was to carry my son on my shoulders," said the 36-year-old double Cart champion.
"My next dream was to race a car again. I never thought it would end up like this," he added. Zanardi's car has its accelerator and clutch attached to the steering wheel.
Last month, he tested the car for the first time in 20 practice laps at Monza, achieving times in line with other drivers in the touring series.
Zanardi lost his legs in a horrific crash during a Cart series race in Germany in September 2001. Dr Claudio Costa, who has monitored Zanardi's rehabilitation since the accident, said the driver's achievements since the accident were inspirational.
"His example sends a message to humanity," said Dr Costa.
But the 36-year-old driver has ruled out a permanent return to competitive racing. "This is my last race. There are plenty of things I do now beyond the track," he said.
Bureau Report