Former Formula One driver Alessandro Zanardi's 'little bit of sadness' at winning Paralympic gold

Alessandro Zanardi receives his gold medal after winning the Men's Individual H4 Time Trial. Credit: Gareth Fuller/PA Wire

Former Formula One driver Alessandro Zanardi told ITV News that winning gold in the handcycling was a moment of "great emotion" but "also a little bit of sadness".

Zanardi finished more than 27 seconds ahead of German Norbert Mosandl in the men's individual H4 handcycling time trial at Brands Hatch - where the Italian has finished on the podium before, during his motor racing career.

The 45-year-old Italian told ITV News:

Zanardi had both legs amputated above the knee after a 220mph crash in the Champ Car series in 2001.

Zanardi in 1999 giving the media a sneak preview of the Williams Formula One car. Credit: David Jones/PA Archive

He returned to racing only a year and a half after the crash and continued in the World Touring Car championships until 2009, by which time he had taken up handcycling.

Zanardi said when it was announced that the handcycling would take place at Brands Hatch - which used to host the British Formula One grand prix - it was "another sign of telling me things are going to go just right".

He added: