Alex Zanardi's condition remained stable in hospital on Sunday, a 'positive' sign for doctors two days after the former Formula One driver turned Paralympic champion suffered serious head injuries in a handbike crash in Italy.

“The positive thing is that the more time passes and conditions remain stable, this gives us hope,” Dr Sabino Scolletta, head of critical care at the Santa Maria delle Scotte hospital in Siena, told journalists. “It means that there has been no step backwards and this gives us great confidence.”