Fernando Alonso Targets F1 Return At Sepang; Enjoys Time Off With GF Lara Alvarez In Dubai

Two-time world champion Fernando Alonso had to sit out the opening race in Melbourne this weekend following his high-speed crash during the final pre-season test, but he is already pondering on his Formula One, or F1 return. Alonso is eyeing to be back on track at Sepang for the Malaysian Grand Prix.

On Feb. 22, Alonso crashed during the final day of the third pre-season test held at Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona. He was immediately treated on the scene of the accident after suffering a concussion. Then, Alonso was airlifted to a hospital, where he stayed for three nights. He was discharged on Feb. 25.

Various speculations about the real cause of the accident have surfaced suggesting that Alonso may not be feeling well prior to the crash or that an electric shock may have caused the car to go off the track. McLaren-Honda, however, has denied such speculations in a statement and said that gustiness of wind was the main culprit. The doctors felt it was appropriate for Alonso to skip Melbourne to avoid “second-impact syndrome” or the risk of suffering another concussion.

According to a report by Sky Sports, it is anticipated that Alonso will make his F1 return in the second race of the 2015 season in Malaysia from March 27 to March 29. The Spanish race driver said that he was disappointed from not being able to kick off his season and join his teammate Jenson Button in Australia, but claimed that he understood his doctors’ instructions.

The 33-year-old has put the accident behind him and is now reportedly working on making a solid recovery. He also wished McLaren-Honda’s reserve driver Kevin Magnussen the best of luck in Melbourne. Magnussen is set to stand in for Alonso at the Australian Grand Prix.

“I’m already back in training and preparing for my first race in the MP4-30,” Alonso said. “I’ll be giving everything to be back in the cockpit for Malaysia, and I wish Kevin all the best for this weekend, I know the car is in his safe hands.”

Meanwhile, Alonso’s girlfriend, Lara Alvarez, has been helping him recover from the crash as the two were recently spotted vacationing in Dubai. Alonso took advantage of his time off the F1 circuit to be with his girlfriend. The couple went to see the Dubai Boat Show on March 7. They were joined by former FIA Rally driver Mohammed Ben Sulayem.

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