Zanardi in serious but stable condition after surgery

Alex Zanardi is currently in intensive care at the Santa Maria alle Scotte hospital following a serious road accident in the province of Siena (Italy) on Friday. The two-time CART champion (1997-1998) and former driver of Formula 1 underwent extensive 3-hour surgery for serious head and jaw injuries after being rushed to hospital by helicopter.

The 53-year-old Italian, who had his legs amputated after a terrible Champ Car accident in 2001 at the Lausitzring (Germany), was carrying out a handbike training session with the Paralympic team when he lost control of his vehicle and found himself on the other side of the road. The multiple Paralympic gold medalist was unable to avoid an oncoming truck.

The hospital bulletin issued this Saturday morning at 10:00 a.m. indicated that Zanardi's metabolic and hemodynamic functions were stable. The Italian, however, remains on respiratory assistance and his neurological functions remain in a worrying state.

A new bulletin published at 12:30 p.m. clarified that Alex Zanardi had adapted well to respiratory assistance. Placed in an artificial coma, his neurological situation remains difficult to assess since he must remain sedated. The press release also indicated that the Italian did not suffer from injuries to the chest and abdomen. Doctors will evaluate the possibility of suspending the sedation over the coming days.

Since the announcement of Zanardi's accident, messages of support and friendship have multiplied, not only within the motorsport community but also at the top of the Italian state since Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte shared the following words: “You never gave up and your extraordinary strength of mind has already allowed you to overcome thousands of obstacles. Don't give up Alex, all of Italy is with you! »

But it's already there and with your ordinary life, it's super a thousand difficulties. Forza Alex #Zanardi, not soft. Tutta l'Italia lotta con te. pic.twitter.com/oMhDfGaOEo

- Giuseppe Conte (@GiuseppeConteIT) June 19, 2020