Zanardi to remain in coma for at least a week

The hospital treating Alex Zanardi has announced that he will remain in a medically-induced coma for at least a week more.

The former F1 driver was rushed to hospital in a helicopter after being involved in a handbike accident last Friday in Italy.

He quickly underwent head surgery and has been in the hospital’s intensive care unit, in a coma, ever since.

They have now released a statement saying they will not consider taking him out of it until next week at the earliest.

“The patient spent the fourth night of hospitalisation in the intensive care unit of the Santa Maria alle Scotte polyclinic in Siena in conditions of stability in cardio-respiratory and metabolic parameters,” a statement from the hospital said.

“The neurological picture remains unchanged in its severity. The patient remains sedated, intubated and mechanically ventilated.

“Any reductions in sedo-analgesia, for the assessment of neurological status, will be considered starting next week. The prognosis remains confidential.”

Zanardi spent three seasons in Formula 1, driving for Lotus and Williams. He then left the grid to race in other categories and had to have both of his legs amputated after a CART race accident in 2001.

He then decided to embark on a career as a paracylist. He has since has won four gold medals at the Paralympics.

Follow us on Twitter @Planet_F1 and like our Facebook page.