Zanardi to Contest DTM/Super GT Joint Race at Fuji

Alex Zanardi has been confirmed as one of BMW Motorsport’s drivers for the joint race between DTM and the Japanese Super GT Championship at Fuji Speedway

The two-time CART champion and 12-time handcycling world champion will drive a BMW M4 DTM in the ‘Dream Race’ event on November 22-24.

Zanardi, whose last race outing was the Rolex 24 at Daytona back in January, will drive a BMW M6 GT3 in a three-hour Italian GT Championship race next month as part of his preparation for the joint contest between the two Class One series.

His most recent appearance in DTM resulted in a memorable fifth-place finish in the night race at Misano last year, when he competed as a guest driver for BMW.

At Fuji, Zanardi will use the same modified control setup which includes an accelerator ring and a hand-operated brake positioned on the steering wheel. 

“To compete in the Dream Race with the DTM and Super GT is something wonderful for me. The word ‘wonderful’ is probably used too often, but it is really appropriate in this case,” he said.

“The mere fact that I am still able to go racing is like a gift for me anyway. However, the BMW M4 DTM is definitely one of the best race cars I have driven in my career.

“Plus, I will have an extra 100 hp under the bonnet this year. It is going to be fantastic, and I am extremely grateful to BMW Motorsport for this opportunity.

“I know that racing in the DTM is a huge challenge, as all the drivers are highly-professional and excellently prepared. And this time we will also have the drivers from Super GT too.

“As such, my expectations are not too great, from a sporting perspective. I just want to perform to the best of my ability and put on a display worthy of the event.”

The Fuji race will see DTM brands BMW and Audi competing against Super GT manufacturers Lexus, Honda and Nissan across two single-driver sprint races.