Update: Zanardi still in stable but serious condition

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Alex Zanardi remains in a stable but serious condition three days after the hand-bike accident in Italy that left the racer with traumatic head injuries.

Zanardi was airlifted to the Policlinico Le Scotte in Siena late on Friday afternoon where he underwent surgery for skull and face fractures following a crash in a relay race on a road in Tuscany.

According to several reports, Zanardi crossed into the wrong lane and into the path of an oncoming truck, which was unable to avoid him.

Zanardi surgeon issues update - won't commit to prognosis

On Sunday, Zanardi's doctors said the driver's condition was not life threatening but insisted the "neurological picture" remained serious. The 53-year-old Italian is in an induced coma and on a ventilator.

The latest update from the Santa maria alla Scotte hospital said: "The clinical conditions remain unchanged in the cardio-respiratory and metabolic parameters while the neurological picture remains serious.

"The patient is sedated, intubated and mechanically ventilated and the prognosis is confidential.

"The multidisciplinary team that takes care of him will evaluate in the next few days any diagnostic-therapeutic actions to be taken."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.