Zanardi doubts DTM test prelude to race seat

Alex Zanardi has this week tested a hand-controlled DTM car.

But the former F1 driver has played down expectations a race seat in the premier German touring car series could be his next project.

The highly popular 46-year-old Italian secured the test due to his long-standing links with BMW, who modified a M3 DTM car and painted it gold just for the Nurburgring outing.

A media statement said the German marque went to the effort to pay tribute to Zanardi’s "outstanding sporting achievements", including his handcycling medals won at the London paralympics.

"I still have a passion for racing," said Zanardi.

"However, I’m not sure whether our demonstration drive will be anything more than just that, as the level in the DTM may possibly prove to be too high for someone of my age."