Zanardi getting back on track

Alex Zanardi will race for the first time since losing both his legs in a on-track accident two years ago.

Zanardi will drive a specially modified BMW in the final round of the 2003 FIA European Touring Car Championship. He will be able to shift the car's gears from the steering wheel and brake pushing special equipment with his thigh.

"I am not starting in this race just 'to compete,' in the Olympic spirit, but to win. At least I'll try to win," said Zanardi.

The popular Italian driver was involved in a horrific high-speed accident during a CART race in Germany in September 2001. Doctors were forced to amputate both his legs at the knee.

Before the accident, Zanardi was considered one of racing's biggest starts. He is one of only three drivers to win back-to-back CART championships, accomplishing the feat in 1997-98. Bobby Rahal (1986-87) and Rick Mears (1981-82) are the others also won two straight titles.

The 1996 CART rookie of the year, Zanardi has 15 career victories and 10 poles, and set the CART modern-day single-season scoring record with 285 points in 1998.