Alex Zanardi returns to the track

Former WilliamsF1 driver Alex Zanardi returned to the race track on Thursday when he took his BMW Touring car out onto the Monza circuit to complete twenty laps of practice as he prepares for his return to racing in the ETCC.

For a man who has lost both legs in an Indy car race two years ago Alex's return to the track certainly was an emotional affair.

Alex said: "It's a great feeling to race again at Monza. It takes more time in a touring car than a Formula One car though."

Alex made it clear that his return to the track for the final round of the ETCC would be his last time behind the wheel of  a race car.

Alex added: "It will be my last race. I have a new life now and I'm a normal person. There's plenty of other things I can do."

He will be driving a hand-controlled BMW 320i. During his time out on the track Alex was able to set times that compared favourably to the other European touring car competitors.