Fernando Alonso
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.IN PHOTO: McLaren's Formula One driver Fernando Alonso of Spain waves to the media as he leaves the hospital where he was hospitalized since Sunday in Sant Cugat after crashing during a test session February 25, 2015. McLaren have blamed gusting winds for Alonso's Formula One testing crash on Sunday and dismissed 'erroneous rumours' that an electrical fault could have rendered the driver unconscious before the impact. REUTERS/Albert Gea REUTERS/Albert Gea

Two-time Formula One, or F1, champion Fernando Alonso will not participate in the season-opening race Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne, according to the latest statement released by McLaren-Honda. Alonso has reportedly been devoid of injury following his pre-season test crash in Barcelona, but the doctors believe it is best for the 33-year-old Spanish driver to sit out the opening race of the current F1 season.

McLaren-Honda’s statement said that the doctors found Alonso “asymptomatic of any medical issue,” which means that they do not see symptoms of an illness or medical condition on the race car driver. The doctors described Alonso as “entirely healthy from neurological and cardiac” point of view.

McLaren-Honda further said that the doctors want Alonso to recoil from the possibility of sustaining another concussion, also known as second impact syndrome. The doctors added that is a normal medical procedure for treating athletes who had sustained concussions. Alonso reportedly suffered a concussion after his high-speed crash at Circuit de Catalunya. He stayed at the hospital for three days following the Barcelona crash.

“In order to limit those environmental risk factors, specifically, his doctors have advised that he should not compete in the imminent Australian Grand Prix meeting, which will take place on March 13, 14 and 15,” McLaren said. “Fernando has understood and accepted the advise, and the two McLaren-Honda cars will therefore be driven in Australia by Fernando’s teammate Jenson Button and the team’s test and reserve driver Kevin Magnussen.”

The doctors said that Alonso may participate, however, at the Malaysian Grand Prix, which will take place from March 27 to March 29, should he feel fit, well and ready to race. In the meantime, Alonso will resume his physical training in hopes that he will be prepared for the second race in Malaysia.

Alonso has also expressed his regret of not being to race in Melboure. In a tweet, Alonso said it would be difficult to sit out the Australian Grand Prix. Alonso finished fourth last year in Melbourne.

Meanwhile, the newly Honda-powered team’s reserve driver Magnussen has also tweeted his dismay that Alonso will not be going to Melbourne. Despite that, Magnussen is delighted for his role in season-opening race.

The Australian Grand Prix will take place at Albert Park on March 15. It will be 20th time that the race will be held at the Melbourne Grand Prix Circuit.

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