The 45-year-old, who lost his both his legs in a horrendous motor racing accident in 2001 that almost killed him, took up handcycling as part of his rehabilitation programme.

He retired from motor racing as his handcycling results improved and he then capped a fairy-tale story as he won two golds at the Paralympics at Brands Hatch, a circuit he never won on when he was a driver.

But following his Paralympic success, reports claim Zanardi now wants to make a return to motor racing in the IndyCar Series.

"First of all, it goes without saying that that would be a huge, huge thing to happen here," said Chip Ganassi, the President of IndyCar Series team Chip Ganassi Racing and a close friend of Zanardi.

Alex Zanardi's two gold medals at London 2012 provided one of the most emotional stories of the Paralympics

"To have him there would be one thing; to have a Paralympic gold medallist is another.

"But to have somebody with his personality and all those wrapped up in one would be a team's dream.

"We are talking to him but we'll have to see; talk is cheap.

"But it would be a dream come true to bring him back; it would be as big as it gets.

"I'd sure like to do it and I wouldn't want him returning with anybody else."

Jimmy Vasser, the co-owner of IndyCar Series team KV Racing Technology, has also talked up the possibility of Zanardi returning to the sport.

"Zanardi told a reporter yesterday for me to watch out because he wants to race at the Indy 500 next year," said Vasser, who drove with Zanardi at Target Chip Ganassi Racing from 1996-1998.

"He wasn't kidding and that's not how we're taking it.

"I've got to get him in a car at Indy next year.

"I spoke to Chip [Ganassi] and said we need to make it happen between the two of us before somebody else steps in to run him.

"He belongs driving for me or Chip or in a car we run together.

"I'm serious; stay tuned."

Alex Zanardi competing in an IndyCar competition at Miami in 1996 before his accident

Despite Zanardi in talks being in talks with his close friends about returning to auto racing for the 2013 Indianapolis 500, others are aware of the huge marketing opportunities the Italian presents and BMW are said to have approached him about joining them in German touring car series DTM.

"If he had his way, he would be with us at the next race," said a spokesperson.

"We are not saying categorically no, but also not categorically yes.

"There is probably not time to explore the possibility this season but maybe next.

BMW motor sport director Jens Marquardt is also coy on the issue.

"There are many issues to be considered first of all, from a purely design point of view, and also for safety," said Marquardt.

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