Photo: WTCC Media

Zanardi completes F1 test session

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In the past weekend Alessandro Zanardi made his Formula One comeback, driving BMW Sauber F1 in four different sessions between Saturday and Sunday at Valencia, within the Formula BMW World Final.
“This was a special opportunity for me,” said Zanardi.

“Everybody was surprised that everything was working so smoothly. BMW always gave me maximum support, especially in the WTCC. Driving the Formula One car is another step. I am very proud that I am doing this. The car was fantastic. Everything is so precise; I was really amazed – because usually you need more time to work on all the details of the car. I expected the car to be much rougher. But it feels rather like a beautiful BMW 7 Series, not like a Formula One car.”

BMW Motorsport Director Mario Theissen said: “After just a few installation laps on Thursday, Alessandro Zanardi had far more time today to enjoy his Formula One comeback. I was impressed with how well the modifications on the car are working. Alessandro felt comfortable from the word go, which has also been proved by his lap times. It’s obvious that he is no Formula One newcomer. He has not forgot how to drive a race car like this at the limit.”

Because Zanardi can generate more force with his right limb, the engineers had moved the car’s braking pedal from the left to the right side of the cockpit. The right prosthesis is fixed to the brake pedal via Velcro tape. In order to make the most effective use of the narrow space in the cockpit, Zanardi uses specially made prostheses. They are considerably smaller than the ones he uses normally. He shifts gears with a paddle on the right rear side of the steering wheel. On the left side there is another paddle, which is used to accelerate the car.

Zanardi has suggested that he would prove respectable in a Formula One race, especially judging by his race-winning performances in the World Touring Car Championship. “In the WTCC I find myself fighting against extremely strong drivers, who maybe didn’t get to F1 just because of bad luck,” he explained. “Many times I beat them. I say I would do respectably in GPs too.”