Categories: F1 News, Reports and Race ResultsMcLaren

McLaren hopeful of Malaysia return for Alonso

McLaren says Fernando Alonso's doctors are happy for him to aim for a return to racing at the Malaysian Grand Prix.

Alonso was concussed in an accident during pre-season testing, sitting out the final test having been hospitalised for three days and subsequently being ruled out of the first race in Australia. With Alonso having been assessed by doctors, McLaren says the aim is for the Spaniard to return to racing at the second race of the season in Malaysia.

"Fernando’s doctors acknowledge that he feels fit and well, and that he regards himself as ready to race," McLaren said in a statement. "That being the case, they are comfortable with the fact that he has already recommenced physical training, with a view to preparing for a return to the cockpit of his McLaren-Honda car for the Malaysian Grand Prix meeting on March 27th, 28th and 29th.

"Indeed, his doctors are supportive of that ambition, satisfied as they are that he sustained no damage whatsoever during his testing accident on February 22nd.

"All at McLaren-Honda fully support Fernando’s decision in respect of his doctors’ advice."

Comment: What a tangled web we weave

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Andrew Lewin

Andrew first became a fan of Formula 1 during the time when Michael Schumacher and Damon Hill were stepping into the limelight after the era of Alain Prost, Nigel Mansell and Aryton Senna. He's been addicted ever since, and has been writing about the sport now for nearly a quarter of a century for a number of online news sites. He's also written professionally about GP2 (now Formula 2), GP3, IndyCar, World Rally Championship, MotoGP and NASCAR. In his other professional life, Andrew is a freelance writer, social media consultant, web developer/programmer, and digital specialist in the fields of accessibility, usability, IA, online communities and public sector procurement. He worked for many years in magazine production at Bauer Media, and for over a decade he was part of the digital media team at the UK government's communications department. Born and raised in Essex, Andrew currently lives and works in south-west London.