Spaniard faces further tests after Practice One in Shanghai
Friday 15 April 2016 06:45, UK
Fernando Alonso will make his return to the F1 cockpit at the Chinese GP, but faces further tests on his fitness following Practice One in Shanghai.
The Spaniard suffered broken ribs and a partially collapsed lung after his crash at the season-opening Australian GP, and was forced to miss out in Bahrain.
Speaking ahead of the FIA's announcement, Alonso himself suggested he would have to evaluate his condition after Practice One on Friday.
"Even if I have the green light, tomorrow in the car [if] I feel that I'm not 100 per cent - because it's a unique position with G-Forces and many things going on - I will be the first not to race because the priority is to score points and to be 100 per cent in the race," he told Sky Sports F1.
An FIA statement read: 'In accordance with Art. 22.14 of the Formula One Sporting Regulations, he is instructed by the FIA Medical Delegate and CMO to undergo a further examination immediately following FP1 to determine his further eligibility to take part in the remainder of the Event.'
After missing the entire Bahrain GP weekend, Alonso will now return to his McLaren car for the first time in nearly a month.
"Back to the car. 26 days of resting initially and hard work until now," he said on Instagram. "Thank you all for the support, also to my family, doctors, trainers and close friends. Now let's do it!!"
Reserve driver Stoffel Vandoorne, who deputised for Alonso in Bahrain and secured McLaren's first points of the season, will remain on standby after making the journey to the Far East.
Alonso, a two-time winner in China, prepared for the grand prix as normal despite struggling with the injury sustained in the high-speed crash with Haas' Esteban Gutierrez in Melbourne.
The 35-year-old admitted he was "lucky to be alive" after the accident, and though McLaren reportedly challenged the FIA's ruling for him not to race in Bahrain ahead of Friday's practice sessions, he will be grateful to return this quickly.
Watch the Chinese GP weekend - LIVE ONLY on Sky Sports F1. The race starts at 7am on Sunday, with build-up underway from 5.30am. Or watch without a contract for £6.99 on NOW TV.
