Sandro Nannini returns to the F1 paddock

Last September href="../gpe/drv-nanale.html">Sandro Nannini's Formula 1 career was cut short in a helicopter accident. His right hand was severed in the crash and sewn back on by micro-surgeons. Since then Sandro has been fighting to return to F1. Nannini returned to the F1 paddock for the first time in Imola. How is his right arm now?

"At the moment I don't feel anything in my right hand because the growth of the nerves is very slow," he says. "I can close the hand a little, but we must wait. I think I need three more months to feel something in the hand and then, I think, I'm not sure, that there are three more months before I start to move the muscles of the hand.

"I have a little problem with the muscles in the arm too, because they have stuck to the bone. Hopefully we can free the muscles within a month, but it may be a year. I do not know and nor do the doctors."

And the left arm?

"My left hand is still a problem but it is powerful now. The problem is to close the hand completely because it is still locked in the palm area. I do not know when, but it will come back 100%. It is getting better because I am starting to use the hand. I am working in the gym and jogging to get fit."

You are still fighting to get back to F1?

"I know in my mind that it will be a miracle if I get back to F1. I am OK in my head. I know the problem and the doctors are very truthful with me. It's going to be very difficult, but even if there was only 1% chance, I would still do it. I know it may not be possible, but in my head I still think it is possible. But you know my head is sometimes very crazy..."

When do you think you will be able to drive a racing car again?

"I don't know. Maybe I can drive mechanically, without feeling anything. That would be a start. I don't know. Maybe in September. I hope so."