BMW works driver Alessandro Zanardi (IT) is set for a return to the racetrack: he will drive the BMW M4 DTM Race Taxi at the finale of the DTM season in Hockenheim (DE) on 17th and 18th October. Last Friday, Zanardi took his place in the cockpit at the roll-out, which took place at the BMW plant in Dingolfing (DE). He and the BMW Motorsport engineers tested the modifications made to allow the double leg amputee to drive the Race Taxi. Zanardi’s artificial leg is attached to the brake pedal using a special extension, while the Italian accelerates by means of a special ring on the steering wheel. He changes gear in the usual manner, using shift paddles. “I am really looking forward to Hockenheim,” said Zanardi. “It is great that I will have another opportunity this year to sit in a racing car. It may only be a Race Taxi, but it is still a thoroughbred DTM racing car. I feel like a kid with a new toy! I drove guests in a WTCC racing car a few years ago, and it was great fun to see how impressed they were by the performance of the car. It is nice to now have the opportunity to convey the fascination of a DTM car to guests out on the racetrack, and to give them a fantastic experience.” Ahead of the roll-out, Zanardi met staff at the BMW plant in Dingolfing at an autograph session. He now heads straight to the USA: this Saturday (10th October) he will take part in the endurance triathlon on Hawaii (US) for the second time.