Zanardi out of danger (updated)

The 34-year-old Italian underwent a second operation on Monday to ensure the wounds on his legs, which were amputated above the knee on Saturday evening, were clean and free from debris.

Zanardi's car spun on the exit of the pitlane and was struck in the side of the cockpit by Alex Tagliani at a speed estimated at 180mph. The Mo Nunn Racing Reynard-Honda was severed ahead of the forward cockpit bulkhead and Zanardi suffered severe injuries, including the loss of one leg above the knee and the other below the knee and severe blood loss and a minor pelvic fracture.

He was flown to Berlin's Klinikum Berlin-Marzahn hospital for emergency surgery, where doctors stabilised the injuries by taking both amputations above the knee in a three-hour operation.

Monday's second operation was deemed a success by German doctors and a similar procedure is expected to be carried out every 48 hours over the next few days. This treatment is consistent with this type of injury and medication keeping Zanardi in an induced coma is also being reduced.

"We are satisfied with the way his wounds are healing," said Dr Walter Schaffartzik. "His condition remains critical but it is no longer as acutely life-threatening. It has become more stable but we have to remain cautious because complications can still occur at any time."

Tagliani suffered only minor bruising in the accident. He was flown to the same hospital as Zanardi, but released after a 24-hour period of observation and is expected to be fit enough to race at Rockingham this weekend.

Zanardi, who was alert and responsive in the aftermath of the accident, is expected to remain in his medically-induced coma for several more days, reducing stress on his vital functions, and in the Berlin hospital for several weeks.

"Alex's condition is stabilising but still serious," said Dr Gerd Schroeter on Sunday evening. "He's needed a lot of blood transfusions, but the amounts aren't as great as yesterday. Patients that suffer such a big trauma are subject to heart and lung failure."

Zanardi, who had returned to racing after a one-year sabbatical, was treated at the scene by a team headed by CART director of medical affairs Dr Steve Olvey. Dr Schroeter has credited their decisive action with saving Zanardi's life.

Zanardi's family has asked that any donations should be made to the World Association to Aid Children.