Zanardi takes Gold!

Posted by Carrot on September 5, 2012 | No Comments

Former F1 race driver Alex Zanardi took first place and a gold medal today in the men’s time trial H4 handcycle event at the 2012 Paralympic Games. Zanardi crossed the line at Brands Hatch, the events was held both on track and on the surrounding local roads of the historic track, over 25 seconds ahead of the silver medal winner.

Zanardi raced in Formula 1 for Jordan, Minardi, the original Team Lotus and Williams over his career and was a double champion in the American CART series. He suffered a horrendous crash at the Lausitzring in Germany in 2001 which cost him both of his legs, and very nearly his life as his lost most of the blood in his body. After a superhuman rehabilitation effort Zanardi actually returned to racing, in the World Touring Car Championship, and despite having to use entirely hand controls, has managed to win four races in the category. After his Olympic victory today he’s even expressed an interest in driving in next year’s Indianapolis 500.

All of us at F1Blog.co.uk congratulate the Italian on his victory, both in the event today and against the trauma he suffered. Motor sport is dangerous, but it’s nigh impossible to halt the achievements of someone who can make it to the pinnacle of our sport.

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