According to reports, Zanardi - having come in for a splash 'n' dash pit stop, and in the process of rejoining the circuit, spun on cold tyres in the middle on turn 1 and directly into Tagliani's path. Unable to avoid hitting the stranded car, Zanardi was T-boned at an estimated speed of 180mph. The nose section of the Reynard Honda was torn off ahead of the cockpit bulkhead while Tagliani's car continued through the debris and into the outside retaining wall. In the immediate aftermath of the incident, Zanardi was breathing unaided and responding to commands though his legs were severely injured. Air-lifted to the Klinikum Berlin-Marzahn hospital in Berlin, it was soon announced by CART director of medical affairs Dr Steve Olvey, that "Alessandro underwent a three-hour operation that resulted in the traumatic amputation of both legs above the knee." Contemporary motor racing has become somewhat accustomed to drivers surviving such violent accidents, and it is this reason alone why many have found the news extremely distressing.
Alex Zanardi was a racing driver of immense talent. Having entered Formula One in '91 with Jordan Grand Prix, the Italian was soon bound for Team Lotus - replacing Mika Hakkinen for the '93 season. Following his colossal accident - due to suspension failure, at Spa Francorchamps that summer, Zanardi returned to the Lotus cockpit in late '94, though with the team experiencing financial troubles, was soon out of Formula One. Following a season racing Lotus Esprit cars in England, Zanardi tested a Champ Car for the first time in 1995, and impressing team boss Chip Ganassi, the Italian signed for the '96 season -and what a season it was...
Scooping the Jim Trueman Rookie of the Year Award, it was a superb year for all concerned at Target Chip Ganassi Racing. With team mate Jimmy Vasser taking the driver's title, Zanardi claimed six poles and won three races en route to third in the championship and this result set him up nicely for '97.
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