Ferrari cars to carry message of support for Zanardi in Austria

40

Ferrari's cars will race in the Austrian Grand Prix emblazoned with a special #ForzaAlex message in support of Alex Zanardi who remains in intensive care in Italy after a recent hand bike accident.

On June 19, Zanardi was admitted to the Siena University Hospital with severe head and facial injuries that have required two operations, the second of which was conducted earlier this week.

Zanardi undergoes 'necessary' second neurological surgery

The ex-F1 driver and CART champion remains in a medically induced coma and in stable but serious condition according to his doctors' latest health bulletin.

"The patient, around 24 hours after the operation, presents stationary clinical conditions and a stable course from the neurological point of view," said the hospital in a statement released on Tuesday afternoon.

"Alex Zanardi is hospitalised in the intensive care unit, where he remains sedated and intubated, and the prognosis remains confidential."

Roberto Gusino, director of health at the hospital said: "The intervention represents a step that had been hypothesized by the team. Our professionals will evaluate the evolution of the situation day by day."

Zanardi's fellow racers at Ferrari will be racing with the Italian in their thoughts as both Sebastian Vettel and Charles Leclerc's cars will feature a special #ForzaAlex message on either side of their SF1000's roll hoop, next to the engine air intake.

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

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.