SEPTEMBER 13, 2005

Well done Mr Pineapple

Alex Zanardi, who has long raced with the symbol of a pineapple on his helmet, is the new Italian Touring Car Champion having won eight of the 12 races contested this season in the Automobile Club d'Italia's Superturismo series, driving for Team BMW Italy. Zanardi was up against opposition from Alfa Romeo, BMW and Seat, notably the Alfa 156s of Salvatore Tavano and Andrea Larini.

Zanardi, who races with a specially-modified BMW, lost both his legs in a CART accident in 2001, but has fought back to become one of the leading players in the World Touring Car Championship and a great inspiration for the sport and indeed the general public.

Zanardi was a Formula 1 driver before and after a successful CART career, which brought him titles in 1997 and 1998 with Target Chip Ganassi Racing.