Alex Zanardi will remain in an induced coma until at least next week as doctors continue to tend to the ex-Formula 1 and CART racer who suffered severe head injuries when his handbike collided with a truck last Friday.
Zanardi, 53, is said to be in a stable condition but the latest statement from the Sienna hospital where the Italian is being treated said his “neurological condition remains unchanged in its severity”.
“The patient remains sedated, intubated and mechanically ventilated. Any reductions in sedoanalgesia (combining sedation with local anesthesia), for the assessment of neurological status, will be considered starting next week,” added the statement.
Zanardi’s prognosis remains confidential.
The two-time CART champion shocked the world when he overcame an incident during a Champ Car race in Germany which saw him lose both his legs to become a three-time Paralympian medallist and 12-time handbike champion.
Zanardi’s adversity in the face of difficulties has seen him heralded as a motorsport icon.
Prior to his accident, Zanardi racked up 41 Grand Prix starts for the Jordan, Minardi, Lotus and Williams F1 teams during stints from 1991-94 and again in 1999 with a career-best finish of sixth at the 1993 Brazilan Grand Prix.
After an extensive recovery period, Zanardi returned to racing and has claimed wins in the British Touring Car Championship as well as making starts in DTM and the storied Daytona 24 Hours.