The Hindu : Sport / Racing : Motor : Some people never give up

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Wednesday, Nov 01, 2006
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Sport - Racing : Motor

Some people never give up

Alex Zanardi.

MUNICH: Alex Zanardi, who lost both legs in a horrific crash in the America-based CART series five years ago, will return to Formula One next month in a test drive with BMW Sauber.

Zanardi, who drove 41 races in Formula One, lost his legs in a crash on Sept. 15, 2001, in Klettwitz, Germany.

He was racing in the American Memorial 500.

``Of course, I know that I won't get a contract with the Formula One team,'' the 40-year-old Zanardi said.

``However, having the chance to drive an F-1 racer again is just incredible.''

Zanardi drove his last race in Formula One in 1999 with Williams. Despite twice winning the CART season title, his best finish in Formula One was sixth.

Modified version

Zanardi will drive the modified BMW-Sauber from November 24 to 26 in Valencia, Spain. He will be the first double amputee to test an F-1 car.

Zanardi has been driving for BMW in the World Touring Car Championship, winning twice.

``With an unprecedented show of will and dedication, he (Zanardi) fought his way back into motor racing and has proved in the WTCC that he can win races at the highest level,'' BMW Motorsports director Mario Theissen said.

``It was rather a joke when he asked me at the beginning of the year if he could do an F-1 test with us,'' Theissen added.

``We will give him this chance now. The engineers made it possible. I cannot wait to watch his reaction after the test.'' — AP

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