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

Formula One, or F1, team McLaren-Honda has confirmed that its driver Fernando Alonso has been discharged after spending almost three days at the hospital following his crash in the second pre-season test in Barcelona. The two-time F1 champion is reportedly heading home to further recover from his high-speed crash on Feb. 22.

“Following his testing accident at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya last Sunday, we are pleased to confirm that Fernando Alonso has now left the hospital,” McLaren-Honda said in a statement. “He has returned to his family’s home in Spain for further rest and recuperation.”

According to McLaren-Honda, Alonso will not be able to participate in the third and final pre-season test, which is set to kick off on Feb. 26 on the same track. Alonso’s teammate Jenson Button will take the wheel on the first day. McLaren-Honda’s test and reserve driver Kevin Magnussen will be driving in place of Alonso.

Alonso was all smiles when he left the medical facility, even holding up a thumbs-up sign to tell everyone that he is doing okay after the crash. The F1 driver was accompanied by his mother Ana Diaz and his girlfriend journalist and TV presenter Lara Alvarez as well as manager Luis Garcia Abad and McLaren-Honda racing director Eric Boullier as he departed the hospital to continue his healing process in his hometown in Oviedo.

On Feb. 22, Alonso lost control of his car between turns three and four at the Circuit de Catalunya. He crashed into the wall and immediately received emergency assistance on the site of the accident. He was then evacuated by helicopter to General Hospital of Catalonia to receive further treatment.

Alonso underwent a series of tests including MRIs and CT scans to determine the severity of the crash. He stayed in the hospital for three days before he was cleared to be discharged.

Alonso’s manager Abad has previously said that their goal is for Alonso to be fit for the Australian Grand Prix. However, it is still not known whether or not Alonso will make it to compete in the season opener in Melbourne on March 15.

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