Alex Zanardi gets DTM test for BMW

Paralympic gold medalist Alex Zanardi is going to test for BMW in their M3 DTM on the 8th of November at Nürburgring.
“When I saw the BMW M3 DTM up close for the first time in Hockenheim, I found myself feeling like a racing driver again after all those months as a handcyclist. It is a great honour for any driver to get behind the wheel of such a fantastic car. I will enjoy every lap,” said Zanardi.

Zanardi raced for BMW in the FIA European and World Touring Car Championship between 2004 and 2009, scoring four victories, as well as the Italian title in 2005.
“We are delighted to offer Alessandro Zanardi this outing in the BMW M3 DTM. He has been a member of the BMW Motorsport family for many years, so we are very keen to offer him this chance to drive the BMW M3 DTM,” said BMW Motorsport Director Jens Marquardt.

Just as when racing the BMW 320si E90 in the WTCC, modifications have been made to the BMW M3 DTM in order for Zanardi to drive it.
“We will obviously have to make a few modifications to the car. A DTM car is considerably more complex than the BMW 320si WTCC, with which Alex won on four occasions for us in the FIA World Touring Car Championship. However, our engineers happily accepted this challenge,” said Marquardt.

While being most famous for his success in motorsport, Zanardi claimed two Paralympic gold medals and one silver medal in the London Olympics of this year.
“Alex once again made sporting history in London. He thrilled the fans with his appearance at the race in Hockenheim, and was there in person when we sensationally completed the clean sweep of the 2012 DTM titles. He is simply a fantastic person,” said Marquardt.
“I would like to thank Jens Marquardt and all my friends at BMW Motorsport here and now for this unique opportunity,” said Zanardi.