Motor racing: Zanardi critical after surgery for severe head injury

FILE PHOTO: Italian BMW 320i racing car driver Alex Zanardi sits in his car during the free practice for LG Super Racing car event at the Monza race track October 18, 2003. Zanardi returns to racing after he lost both of his legs in a crash while driving at an American Formula Cart race in September 2001. [REUTERS/Giampiero Sposito GS/THI]

Former Formula One driver and twice Champ Car champion Alex Zanardi was in intensive care on Friday after surgery for severe head injuries suffered in a road accident while racing his handbike in Italy.

Siena’s Santa Maria alle Scotte hospital said in a statement that the 53-year-old Italian, who lost both legs and nearly his life in a 2001 Champ Car crash in Germany, was in a critical condition.