Alessandro Zanardi passes away at the age of 59

Former WTCC and DTM racer Alessandro Zanardi has passed away at the age of 59 following complications connected to a handcycling accident in 2020.

“It is with deep sorrow that the family announces the passing of Alessandro Zanardi, which occurred suddenly on the evening of yesterday, May 1,” read a social media statement from his family.

“Alex passed away peacefully, surrounded by the love of his family. The family sincerely thanks everyone who has shown support in these hours and asks for respect for their grief and privacy at this time of mourning. Information regarding the funeral will be shared at a later date.”

The two-time CART champion lost his legs in a major crash during the CART race weeekend at the Lausitzring in 2001.

Two years after that, the Italian racer was back to make his touring car debut in the 2003 European Touring Car Championship with BMW.

His BMW 320i E46 S2000 was equipped with a handbrake system and an accelerator ring on the steering wheel which allowed him to drive without his artificial legs.

He claimed the 2025 Italian Touring Car Championship title and continued racing for BMW in the FIA World Touring Car Championship until 2009.

2018 saw him making his DTM debut for BMW and moved on to GT racing the following year.

Zanardi took part in several major Paralympic events alongside his motorsport career, claiming four handcycling gold medals in total.

The charismatic Italian collided with a truck during the 2020 Obiettivo Tricolore in Italy where he sustained serious injuries and remained in hospital until December 2021.

TouringCarTimes extends its sympathies to Alessandro’s family and friends.