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Why Alex Zanardi Is the Most Inspirational Figure in F1 History
Published: September 15, 2013
Motorsport is littered with stories of inspirational comebacks and bravery in the face of adversity, Niki Lauda immediately springs to mind after the release of Ron Howard’s "Rush" this week.
But if ever there was a story that should be made into a Hollywood blockbuster, then it is surely Zanardi’s.
An early acquaintance with death
Born in Bologna, Italy, Zanardi had to come to terms with the grim reality that cars are dangerous from a very early age when his sister Cristina was killed in an automobile accident in 1979.
At age 13, he began racing karts the very year his sister was killed, building his own chariot using wheels from a dustbin and pipes from his father’s factory.
Following a second-place championship finish in F3000 in 1991, Zanardi gained his big break in F1 with Eddie Jordan’s team and competed in the final three races of the season.
A brief spell with Minardi followed, but it wasn’t until the 1993 and 1994 seasons with Lotus that he enjoyed a consistent run in the sport, albeit in an uncompetitive car—sixth place in the 1993 Brazilian Grand Prix was his best return.
Following the collapse of the Lotus F1 team, Zanardi upped sticks and left for America where he signed for Chip Ganassi Racing for the 1996 Champ Car Series. He made an immediate impact, securing five pole positions and winning three times during his rookie season en route to a tie for second in the championship standings.
Triumph and tragedy in America
Zanardi won back-to-back titles the next two years, and a window back into the world of F1 racing that he desired opened again with Frank Williams offering him a contract....
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Formula 1
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