JUNE 9, 2003

Reutemann has leptospirosis

Carlos Reutemann, the former Formula 1 driver who has been a leading politician in his native Argentina in recent years, is one of dozens of people in the Sante Fe province who has contracted leptospirosis as a result of his involvement in helping to clean up the province after devastating floods in April. Leptospirosis is a rare disease caused by bacteria from rat urine. Although the disease can be dangerous it is not thought that Reutemann has a serious case but he has been ordered to take time off by doctors and is being treated with antibiotics.

Reutemann was one of the leading Grand Prix drivers of the 1970s and early 1980s with Brabham, Ferrari and Williams but despite his considerable talent Reutemann was never able to win the World Championship.