Alex Zanardi tests a modified BMW Sauber in Valencia

Ed · Post by Ed » Fri Nov 24, 2006 11:25 am

Former F1 driver and double Champ Car Champion Alex Zanardi completed 4 laps in a modified BMW Sauber F1 car.

Zanardi was very pleased with the test and said:

I feel like somebody cast away on an island for many years and suddenly he gets joined by a top model.

It's a fantastic feeling to see all the faces smiling when I brought it in - that was the highlight of the day.

Zanardi lost both his legs in 2001 but was determined to make a comeback.
In 2004 he returned to full time racing in the Touring Car Championship and in 2005 he won his first race since his accident.
This year he finished 11th in the WTCC with 26 points and 1 win (Turkey)

Congratulations to Alex Zanardi for his will and his courage to make a competitive comeback.

gkaytaz · Post by **gkaytaz** » Fri Nov 24, 2006 4:39 pm

Ed wrote:Former F1 driver and double Champ Car Champion Alex Zanardi completed 4 laps in a modified BMW Sauber F1 car.

Zanardi was very pleased with the test and said:
I feel like somebody cast away on an island for many years and suddenly he gets joined by a top model.

It's a fantastic feeling to see all the faces smiling when I brought it in - that was the highlight of the day.
Zanardi lost both his legs in 2001 but was determined to make a comeback.
In 2004 he returned to full time racing in the Touring Car Championship and in 2005 he won his first race since his accident.
This year he finished 11th in the WTCC with 26 points and 1 win (Turkey)

Congratulations to Alex Zanardi for his will and his courage to make a competitive comeback.

Truly a warrior. Hats off...

Ed · Post by Ed » Tue Nov 28, 2006 12:27 am

Zanardi completed nearly 20 laps over the weekend in a modified BMW Sauber F1 car. He set a fastest time of 1:19.7

Zanardi said:

This is a special opportunity for me, I saw some very happy faces; everybody was surprised that everything was working so smoothly. BMW always gave me maximum support, especially in the WTCC. Driving the Formula One car is another step. I am very proud that I am doing this. The car was fantastic. Everything is so precise; I was really amazed ? because usually you need more time to work on all the details of the car. I expected the car to be much rougher. But it feels rather like a beautiful BMW 7 Series, not like a Formula One car.

BMW Motorsport Director Mario Theissen said:

After just a few installation laps on Thursday, Alessandro Zanardi had far more time today to enjoy his Formula One comeback. I was impressed with how well the modifications on the car are working. Alessandro felt comfortable from the word go, which has also been proved by his lap times. It?s obvious that he is no Formula One newcomer. He has not forgot how to drive a race car like this at the limit.

The team modified the BMW Sauber F1 car to suit Zanardi. The engineers moved the car?s braking pedal from the left to the right side of the cockpit as Zanardi can generate more force with his right limb. The right prosthesis is fixed to the brake pedal via Velcro tape.
Zanardi shifts gears with a paddle on the right rear side of the steering wheel. On the left side there is another paddle, which is used to accelerate the car.

gkaytaz · Post by **gkaytaz** » Tue Nov 28, 2006 7:30 am

Ed wrote: The team modified the BMW Sauber F1 car to suit Zanardi. The engineers moved the car?s braking pedal from the left to the right side of the cockpit as Zanardi can generate more force with his right limb. The right prosthesis is fixed to the brake pedal via Velcro tape.
Zanardi shifts gears with a paddle on the right rear side of the steering wheel. On the left side there is another paddle, which is used to accelerate the car.

Wow. And how does he get out of the car if something goes wrong? Maybe he'll leave the artificial limb in the car but then he won't be able to run away. Hmm...

jacfan · Post by **jacfan** » Tue Nov 28, 2006 10:51 am

I am not sure if this guy is really really couragous or really really stupid. :?Most people would be happy just to be alive ..... Either way I wish him the best of luck.

gkaytaz · Post by **gkaytaz** » Wed Nov 29, 2006 2:10 am

jacfan wrote:I am not sure if this guy is really really couragous or really really stupid. :?Most people would be happy just to be alive ..... Either way I wish him the best of luck.

Wouldn't call him stupid. It is the passion for racing. Many F1 drivers (or any racing for that matter) would have done the same. Once you're bitten by the so-called "racing bug" you're as good as gone

No recovery ever.

gkaytaz · Post by **gkaytaz** » Wed Nov 29, 2006 2:13 am

Also, think of it this way: BMW folks have gone out of their way just to provide him with a very special car. Hats off to BMW for that nice gesture.

jacfan · Post by **jacfan** » Wed Nov 29, 2006 10:26 am

Ok not stupid... how about crazy?

gkaytaz · Post by **gkaytaz** » Wed Nov 29, 2006 4:38 pm

jacfan wrote:Ok not stupid... how about crazy?

Better

jacfan · Post by **jacfan** » Wed Nov 29, 2006 7:28 pm

gkaytaz · Post by **gkaytaz** » Wed Nov 29, 2006 9:09 pm

jacfan wrote:

Have you seen the latest in the da Matta thread? That guy will soon be back as well... I guess one has to walk a mile in their shoes to understand and appreciate the logic.

jacfan · Post by **jacfan** » Wed Nov 29, 2006 9:36 pm

gkaytaz wrote:
jacfan wrote:
Have you seen the latest in the da Matta thread? That guy will soon be back as well... I guess one has to walk a mile in their shoes to understand and appreciate the logic.

Yes I have read the da Matta thread. I am rapt for him that he is going so well.
"walk a mile in their shoes " Hmmmm is that a joke?

News On F1 Forums - Talk Formula 1

Alex Zanardi tests a modified BMW Sauber in Valencia

Alex Zanardi tests a modified BMW Sauber in Valencia

Re: Alex Zanardi tests a modified BMW Sauber in Valencia