JUNE 30, 1997

Poor old Panis

OLIVIER PANIS was discharged from the Sacre Coeur hospital in Montreal last Monday - eight days after the crash in which he broke both his legs - and immediately flew back to France with his wife Anne.

OLIVIER PANIS was discharged from the Sacre Coeur hospital in Montreal last Monday - eight days after the crash in which he broke both his legs - and immediately flew back to France with his wife Anne. Olivier went directly to the Centre Reeducation et de Readaptation Sportive at Treboul-Douarnenez in the Brittany region of western France where he is due to spend the next few months convalescing under the guidance of Dr. Gilles Sauleau.

Sauleau says that it will be a month before Panis can walk but rehabilitation work is already underway in the swimming pool. "I would be feeling much better if I was in my car this weekend at Magny-Cours," Panis said. "It's the first time that I've found myself in this situation and I suffered from delayed shock. I am recuperating now and we are starting to prepare for my return. I hope to be fit at the start of September because I want to drive again between now and the end of the season. I certainly want to drive as soon as possible but one must be realistic. I must take my time because I want to come back 150% fit so that I am competitive right away and can give my best. My aim is to be World Champion - and I will be."