Nannini Drives in His First Race Since Arm Was Severed in Crash
Formula One driver Alessandro Nannini on Saturday drove in his first race since his right forearm was severed in a 1990 helicopter crash.
Nannini, who had the arm surgically reattached, was sixth in the Italian Grand Tourism Championship. He avoided a collision with Alfa Romeo teammate Nicola Larini, who lost control of his car, by spinning off the track.
Nannini, 31, was running second at the time of the spin. He came back in the last few laps and finished 21.2 seconds behind the winner, Mauro Ravaglia of Italy in a BMW.
“It was like having a second debut in auto racing,” Nannini said.
He said he eventually would like to try a comeback on the Formula One circuit.
“My hand has 15% of its function, although I have no problem in using the gear. Doctors say I can improve to 60%,” Nannini said.
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