Formula One Prays for Zanardi

Formula One prayed for Alex Zanardi on Sunday as the Italian driver lay critically ill in a German hospital. The two times CART champion, a man fondly remembered in the Grand Prix paddock from his time in Formula One, had both legs amputated on Saturday after a massive crash in a CART race.

"Everyone in the team is devastated by the news of Alex's serious accident," said Frank Williams, Zanardi's boss in his last season in Formula One in 1999, in a statement. "Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family.

"He is a true gentleman and I know his many friends and fans around the world will have him in their thoughts and be hoping for good news about his condition."

He was echoed by Eddie Jordan, the Italian's first team boss in 1991.

"Our thoughts are with Alex and his family. Alex is a very popular guy and we are all terribly saddened by his accident. We pray for his recovery and rehabilitation."

Brazilian Rubens Barrichello, who raced against Zanardi over three seasons, said he had been deeply affected by the accident at the Lausitzring American Memorial 500 race.

"This weekend has been very dark, not only for what happened in the U.S. but also what happened to Zanardi yesterday," he said after finishing second in Sunday's Italian Grand Prix. "I couldn't stop thinking about him to be honest," added the Ferrari driver.

His team boss, Jean Todt, spoke for the team. "The thoughts of all of us are with him today," he said.