DARIO Franchitti is "itching" to get behind the wheel of a race car again, despite escaping death in a 200mph crash.
The four-time IndyCar champion was forced to retire after suffered two broken vertebrae, a fractured right ankle and concussion.
The 42-year-old, who moved back to Scotland because he was homesick, quit after doctors told him he could face permanent brain damage if he drove again.
Instead the driver, who won the Indy 500 three-times, is mentoring his former US teammates and promoting Formula E racing.
But yesterday Franchitti, from Bathgate, Edinburgh, admitted he is finding it hard to adjust to life in the slow lane.
"I am definitely getting the itch to get back in something, and I am just not allowed. It's not an option. But the further I get away from that accident the more I am getting the urge to drive something [competitively]."
Franchitti, who suffered from "tiredness" and was left with one leg shorter than the other, when his car became airborne in Houston nearly two years ago, said as long as the clock is not ticking he can still drive at almost 200mph - such as on German motorways.
"I am allowed to demonstrate cars, but nothing competitive. As long as it is not competitive I think I am ok. I can't race. That's very clear."
Franchitti split from his wife of 13 years, Hollywood actress Ashley Judd, nine months before the accident.
He sold the former marital home, 200-year-old Rednock House, in Stirlingshire, which the couple bought in 2004, for £4 million.
And he is determined to stay north of the Border, telling motorsportmagazine.com: "For 14 years I lived in the States, and I had the most wonderful time .. but I was always homesick.
"I am flying back wards and forwards a lot but I am really enjoying being back here and being able to do road trips in Europe."
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