Zanardi to test BMW F1 car at Valencia
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GP.com said:
Zanardi's F1 test
Five years after he lost both legs in an accident in Champ Car racing, Alex Zanardi is to get back behind the wheel of a Formula 1 car with a test of a BMW Sauber being planned at the forthcoming BMW World Finals in Valencia on November 26. The car will have to be altered to allow him to use a hand throttle and a bigger brake pedal and he will have to squeeze himself in to the narrow cockpit but the plan is for a few demonstration laps to give him another taste of F1 power and to inspire the youngsters who will be present for the big BMW event.
and you can bet he won't be taking it easy.
) I ordered his biography. Only just started it, but it's a fantastic read so far.Short run today before a longer run tomorrow (Saturday)
www.autosport.com/news/grapevine.php/id/55763
Alex Zanardi made an emotional return to the Formula One cockpit slightly earlier than expected when he completed a three-lap shakedown at Valencia in Spain on Thursday.
The Italian was not planned to test the BMW-Sauber F1.06 until Saturday, but a change of schedule has not only allowed him to get out in the car early but also fired up the team to do everything they can to boost his speed.
Zanardi claimed that the mechanics' approach to him changed after he returned to the pits following a short run - and that modifications are now planned in order to help him go faster on Saturday.
"My greatest satisfaction was seeing the technicians' attitude before and after," he told Gazzetta dello Sport. "In the morning, when I was requesting modifications, the common denominator in the answers was: 'But it's just a test.'
"At the end of the three laps they started working like crazy, they got incredibly excited. Now they want to give me five different programs for the throttle and a more direct steering. They sent me out on wet tyres, but when I returned to the pits they were well worn out..."
The Italian also claimed he is already more than comfortable in his surroundings.
"It was a very nice moment," explained Zanardi. "I must say that I felt good with the car. It was docile from the beginning. I asked it to please do certain things and it obliged. It didn't feel offended at letting an old windbag like me drive it...
"And it's not easy: I have to get a hand off the wheel in the turns in order to accelerate, so I steer with just one hand."
www.autosport.com/news/grapevine.php/id/55763
Autosport said:
Alex Zanardi made an emotional return to the Formula One cockpit slightly earlier than expected when he completed a three-lap shakedown at Valencia in Spain on Thursday.
The Italian was not planned to test the BMW-Sauber F1.06 until Saturday, but a change of schedule has not only allowed him to get out in the car early but also fired up the team to do everything they can to boost his speed.
Zanardi claimed that the mechanics' approach to him changed after he returned to the pits following a short run - and that modifications are now planned in order to help him go faster on Saturday.
"My greatest satisfaction was seeing the technicians' attitude before and after," he told Gazzetta dello Sport. "In the morning, when I was requesting modifications, the common denominator in the answers was: 'But it's just a test.'
"At the end of the three laps they started working like crazy, they got incredibly excited. Now they want to give me five different programs for the throttle and a more direct steering. They sent me out on wet tyres, but when I returned to the pits they were well worn out..."
The Italian also claimed he is already more than comfortable in his surroundings.
"It was a very nice moment," explained Zanardi. "I must say that I felt good with the car. It was docile from the beginning. I asked it to please do certain things and it obliged. It didn't feel offended at letting an old windbag like me drive it...
"And it's not easy: I have to get a hand off the wheel in the turns in order to accelerate, so I steer with just one hand."
Today's test
Alex Zanardi has made motorsport history after becoming the first driver with amputated legs to successfully return to the cockpit of a Formula One car, the Italian completing the landmark test at Valencia with BMW Sauber.
The first time he has stepped inside a Formula One car since 1999 when he raced for Williams, Zanardi's comeback comes five years after he lost both of his legs in a horrific smash at the Lausitzring whilst competing the Champ Car Series.
Completing twelve laps in the car Nick Heidfeld, Jacques Villeneuve and Robert Kubica took to fifth place in the constructors' standings this year, Zanardi's chance comes following an impressive season in the World Touring Car Championship with BMW, by which he managed a win in Turkey.
Zanardi was understandably emotional about returning to the F1 cockpit, but, complete with revisions to the car's pedals, insisted it was easy to become accustomed to, instead comparing it to a road car.
"This is a special opportunity for me," said Zanardi. .I saw some very happy faces; 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."
Indeed, BMW team director Mario Theissen was full of praise for the Italian who is on track ahead of the Formula BMW World Finals and is due to complete further laps ahead of the race.
"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."
Crash.net said:
Alex Zanardi has made motorsport history after becoming the first driver with amputated legs to successfully return to the cockpit of a Formula One car, the Italian completing the landmark test at Valencia with BMW Sauber.
The first time he has stepped inside a Formula One car since 1999 when he raced for Williams, Zanardi's comeback comes five years after he lost both of his legs in a horrific smash at the Lausitzring whilst competing the Champ Car Series.
Completing twelve laps in the car Nick Heidfeld, Jacques Villeneuve and Robert Kubica took to fifth place in the constructors' standings this year, Zanardi's chance comes following an impressive season in the World Touring Car Championship with BMW, by which he managed a win in Turkey.
Zanardi was understandably emotional about returning to the F1 cockpit, but, complete with revisions to the car's pedals, insisted it was easy to become accustomed to, instead comparing it to a road car.
"This is a special opportunity for me," said Zanardi. .I saw some very happy faces; 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."
Indeed, BMW team director Mario Theissen was full of praise for the Italian who is on track ahead of the Formula BMW World Finals and is due to complete further laps ahead of the race.
"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."
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