Praying for Zanardi: “Fight, you know how”

“I'm so scared for Alex Zanardi that I'm holding my breath. I am his fan. I am his friend," wrote the American Formula 1 world champion from 1978, Mario Andretti, on Twitter: "Please do what I do: Pray, pray for this wonderful man." The current formula 1 driver Charles Leclerc of Ferrari tweeted: “Fight, you know how. You are great." Condition is critical Zanardi had a serious accident on his handbike in Italy on Friday. Media reported that he drove onto the opposite side of a sloping road near Pienza and is said to have collided with a truck. He was immediately flown to a hospital in a rescue helicopter. The doctors spoke of a “delicate neurosurgical operation” that was initiated immediately. Zanardi was admitted with serious head injuries and underwent surgery for almost three hours, the “Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senesedas” announced late on Friday evening. Zanardi was transferred to the intensive care unit and his condition was “very serious”.

This is where the accident happened. © ANSA / Radio Siena TV

“Shocked and praying he’s okay,” British former world champion Damon Hill wrote on Twitter. “For him, his family and friends and millions of fans and followers, we pray for you, Alex.” The entire motorsport community is with him, wrote the Spanish Formula 1 driver Carlos Sainz: “Give more than ever before.” In thoughts Everyone was with him, tweeted Formula 1, in which Zanardi took part in a total of 1991 Grand Prix from 1994 to 1999 and then again in 44.

The news agency AP reported that Zanardi suffered severe head trauma. Mario Valentini, coach of the Italian handbike team, who was at the scene of the accident a short time later, reported that Zanardi was still conscious and speaking. Zanardi competed in a race for Paralympic athletes on handbikes or bicycles in Tuscany. Zanardi, the cheerful nature He of all people, Zanardi of all people, who had already been hit hard by fate and also scarred. Of all things, this cheerful nature. A person who can infect others with his laughter, his joy of life, his fighting spirit. Someone who struggled with death almost 20 years ago after a devastating accident at the Lausitzring. He defeated him after he had an accident in the Champcar series. A terrible accident. Zanardi lost both legs in the horror crash on September 15, 2001. The fact that he survived the accident in which he spun his car and a competitor's car crashed into him was nothing short of a miracle.

In the helicopter on the way to the emergency hospital in Berlin, Zanardi had to be resuscitated seven times. He had lost lots and lots of blood. But Zanardi survived and even returned to racing after a long rehab. Admired by colleagues, by fans, by people all over the world.

Zanardi's zeal for life, born in Bologna on October 23, 1966, seemed simply indestructible. Or as his long-time employer BMW once wrote: “Alessandro Zanardi is a phenomenon – and living proof that there are no limits when you dedicate yourself to a challenge with passion and enthusiasm.”

Just two years after the crash, Zanardi was back in the cockpit of a racing car - modified to suit his needs. He then celebrated four victories in the German Touring Car Masters. But that wasn't enough for him, Zanardi embarked on a second career, winning the gold medal twice on the handbike at the 2012 and 2016 Paralympics. Zanardi didn't even stop at the Ironman and overcame all difficulties and challenges. But now he is fighting against the toughest opponent, again. And it's not just the motorsport world that is praying that this person will win this fight again.

Football

Italy

International leagues

International

Winter sports

Tennis

Other sports

Motorsport

Cycling

Watersports

Events

Favorites

Praying for Zanardi: “Fight, you know how”

The motorsport world is praying for Alex Zanardi. The former Formula 1 driver's serious accident with a so-called handbike shocked current and former drivers.

Suggestions

Comments (0)