OCTOBER 3, 2001

First reaction from Zanardi

Alex Zanardi, the two time CART champion and former Formula 1 driver who lost both legs in a horrific accident at the Lausitzring CART race has spoken to the media for the first time since the accident on September 15.

ALEX ZANARDI, the two time CART champion and former Formula 1 driver who lost both legs in a horrific accident at the Lausitzring CART race has spoken to the media for the first time since the accident on September 15.

The popular Italian has shown incredible resilience since the accident, and put a brave take on the future when he spoke with Autosprint magazine. "By now I've been able to take in what has happened," he said. "I'm trying to get through this in the most positive way possible. I don't think about what I lost, but everything I've still got, which I've realized is a great deal."

The Italian, who lost almost 70% of the blood in his body before he reached hospital, narrowly escaped death thanks largely to the immediate reaction of the CART medical team, and has been under expert supervision in Berlin. Clearly Zanardi too is keenly aware of how close a call it was and intends to make the best of life with his wife Daniela and young son Niccolo.

"I want to - and I must - think positively. I can't allow myself to think back to what happened. I've got a new life ahead of me and now I want to use all my energy to make the most of it," he said.