[Werner333]

Inspirational former F1 driver Alessandro Zanardi drove a Kart at the recent Bologna motor show.

The Italian lost both his legs in a massive accident during a CART race at the Lausitzring in Germany in September 2001 but has learned to walk again using prosthetic limbs and has been driving a road car with hand controls. His drive in the specially modified Kart marked his first appearance in a competition vehicle since the accident, and he showed that despite his impairment he had lost none of his on-track excitement, the fans responding with rapturous applause and cheers.

'To have so many people cheering me and to feel all that affection was very emotional,’ Zanardi said. ‘I can only say ‘thank you’ to all the fans for their support.

‘When I climbed into my race suit again and zipped it up, I saw myself in the mirror. That was an intense moment. Luckily, I was alone so I could really enjoy it.

‘It was great to see my entire body in the mirror. Then climbing into the kart was just incredible.’

Zanardi led the race of capable kart pilots before spinning, but that not detract from the experience.

‘I’m not disappointed I didn’t win - just extremely happy to be there,’ he beamed, before adding that he still had a strong desire to race again professionally.

‘The desire is still there for sure,’ the 36-year-old declared.
Bron: http://www.dailyf1.com/