Zanardi will compete in the ETCC full-time next year
Alex Zanardi has confirmed that he will make a full-time return to racing in
the European Touring Car Championship next season.
The Italian, who lost both his legs in a horrific Champ Car accident in
September 2001, will drive a BMW Team Italy-Spain entry for Ravaglia
Motorsport in the pan-European championship. Zanardi competed in the final
round of this year's ETCC at Monza with the team.
"I'm happy to take part in the ETCC with a BMW Team Italy-Spain car, and I
wish to thank BMW Italy and the team for trusting in this project since the
beginning," said Zanardi.
"Racing in Monza was great, and made me feel again strong sensations and a
lot of fun. The car was very competitive, especially in the engine, and this
is a great motivation to keep on with its development. Our competition are
valiant and they won't give us presents, but we are facing the 2004 season
with the goal to be competitive from the first race."
Ravaglia looks set to expand to three cars full-time for next season. The
outfit has recently re-signed Antonio Garcia, while former champion Fabrizio
Giovanardi is also tipped to remain with the outfit.
"The goal is to be competitive from the first race!" - Alex Zanardi
Man that dude got balls!
Go Alex - GO!