ALEX ZANARDI underwent emergency brain surgery in Italy after a serious accident on his handbike involving a lorry.
The former Formula One driver suffered a double amputation of his legs after a terrible crash in 2001, before becoming a star Paralympian and win four-time gold medal winner.
Alex Zanardi was involved in a serious crash with a lorry in Italy and underwent emergency brain surgeryCredit: AP:Associated Press
Zanardi was taken to hospital via air ambulance after the crash near Pienza, near Siena, during a national race for Paralympic athletes on handbikes.
He remains in a “very serious” condition after being taken to Santa Maria alle Scotte hospital in Siena.
A medical bulletin released by the hospital said: “The management of health informs that the neurosurgery and maxillofacial surgery began shortly afte 7pm and finished at 9.30pm.
“The patient was transferred to intensive care, with a reserved prognosis. His condition is very serious.”
Italian national team coach Mario Valentini told Italian newspaper La Repubblica Florence: “It happened on a slightly downhill straightaway just before a slight curve in the road.
“Alex veered slightly into the oncoming lane just when a truck came. [The truck] tried to swerve but couldn’t avoid the crash.”
The motorsport legend was taken to hospital in Siena via air ambulanceCredit: EPA
The report added that Zanardi was conscious when paramedics arrived and that he was able to breathe unassisted.
Valentini added: “Twenty minutes passed from the time of the accident to when the medical personnel arrived. It took some time to load him [into the ambulance]. His wife helped. After the accident he was talking.
“It was a sunny day and everyone was happy. We were 20 kilometers [12 miles] from [the finish line] in Montalcino. The truck didn’t make a mistake. Alex made the mistake.”
This was the upsetting scene that greeted emergency workersCredit: EPA
Zanardi was taken to hospital via air ambulance after the crash near PienzaCredit: Represented by ZUMA Press, Inc.
Italian Premier Giuseppe Conte tweeted: “You’ve never given up and with your extraordinary strength within you’ve overcome a thousand troubles. Forza Alex Zanardi. Don’t give up. All of Italy is with you.”
1978 F1 champion Mario Andretti tweeted: “I am so anxious and frightened about Alex Zanardi that I’m holding my breath.
“I am his fan. I am his friend. Please do what I’m doing and pray pray (for) this wonderful man.”
Former F1 star Martin Brundle wrote: “Alex has already had his share of bad luck, which he transcended with a mighty determination and spirit to win again.
“I’m with you Mario [Andretti], let’s hope he’s fine and this is nowhere near as serious as it sounds from reports.”
Zanardi remains in a ‘very serious’ condition according to a bulletin from the hospitalCredit: AP:Associated Press
Zanardi won four gold medals in handbike at the 2012 and 2016 Paralympics.
The 53-year-old lost both of his legs following a horrific crash during a 2001 CART race in Germany.
At the time, Zanardi was a two-time CART champion who had recently returned from a second stint in Formula One.
INCREDIBLE RACING RETURN
He had ploughed through the field to lead laps for the first time since he’d left the series after his 1998 title.
The crash occurred when Zanardi spun his car after a pit stop and he was hit by another driver. Both legs were severed at impact.
Zanardi was an established racing star before his accident and his accomplishments since transcend sports.
An inspirational figure with an indomitable spirit, he designed his own prosthetics that he jokes made himself taller and also learned to walk again.
Then Zanardi returned to racing in touring cars.
After that came hand cycling, a class victory in the New York City Marathon and Paralympic glory.
In January, Zanardi competed in the prestigious Rolex 24 at Daytona endurance race, driving in a race for the first time without prosthetics.
He used a special steering wheel designed for him by BMW that allowed him to drive with hand levers.
Source: Motorsport - thesun.co.uk
