Zanardi hopes to extend contract

Although the Italian's original three-year deal with BMW Team Italy-Spain finishes at the end of 2007, he sees no reason why he will not extend his commitment beyond then.

"As long as I feel inside myself that I can be competitive then I will keep racing," said Zanardi, who lost his legs in a crash at the Lausitzring Champ Car race in 2001.

"The team I am racing for are situated just three kilometres from where I live, so it is a fantastic situation.

"When I am at home sometimes about to make myself a coffee I stop making it and decide instead to go and have one with the team at the factory. It is things like that that make me want to keep this situation going.

"And I am also very proud to represent BMW on the world stage. The company are now widely regarded as the most prestigious brand in many countries."

Zanardi has won two WTCC races since making his full-time return to racing. His maiden victory came at Oschersleben last year, while he also triumphed at Istanbul this season.