Zanardi ’gradually getting better’ - son

Alex Zanardi is "conscious" and "gradually getting better", his son Niccolo has told the Italian newspaper La Repubblica.

Little has been reported about the condition of the former Formula 1 and Indy driver after his collision with a truck during a hand-cycling race some ten months ago.

Zanardi, 54, suffered head and facial injuries, but his 22-year-old son Niccolo now reveals: "Dad has been conscious for a long time - for several months.

"His condition is gradually getting better, step by step. But we understand that he has a long way to go, which will take a long time.

"So far, no one can tell us which functions will be restored," Niccolo Zanardi added. "Yes, he is recovering, but we have a long way to go. We are surrounding him with support and love."