Alex Zandari - A Legendary Racer

We used to meet at the Grand Prix races when Alex Zandari was a composed and smiling neighbour of our box, at Williams. I was with him when he walked with his artificial limbs for the very first time at the Autosprint Caschi d'Oro. I met him several times in his new role as a highly cultured, determined and intelligent messenger of the sheer value of life itself.

Alex Zanardi gold medalist at the 2012 London Paralympics

The idea that fate has cursed him with yet another accident that is very similar, for its randomness, to the one that cut short his career as a professional driver, triggers some very disturbing thoughts in my mind: how is it possible that such a noble and courageous person, one so pure and symbolic, can be so harshly persecuted by such an evil destiny?

Alex Zanardi behind the wheel of the Target-Chip Ganassi Racing Team car with which he won two consecutive CART championships in 1997 and 1998

I want to smile, safe in the knowledge that he will pull through this time too. But I am struggling to contain my fears and with them the thought of hearing the dreadful news with each passing minute. But there is one thing here that will forever remain a certainty: Alex Zandaris example should serve us all as a reminder of what life's true values really are.

Thanks Alex

Alex Zanardi behind the wheel of the Williams FW21 during the 1999 Monaco GP