On doctor’s advice, Fernando Alonso sits out the first Grand Prix of the 2015 Formula 1 and the first race back as a McLaren driver since 2007. It will be the first time since 2002, when the Spaniard was test driver for Renault that Alonso will not be racing in F1.
The Spaniard crashed heavily during the second pre-season test at the Circuit de Catalunya and was flown to hospital for checks, and was diagnosed with a concussion, and with the close proximity of the first race, it was decided Alonso should sit out the race in Albert Park.
“Of course, I’m very disappointed not to be joining Jenson in Melbourne in the McLaren-Honda garage, but I understand the recommendations of the doctors and I’m already back in training and preparing for my first race in the MP4-30,” said Alonso.
“I would like to thank everybody for their kind wishes and support and I’ll be giving everything to be back in the cockpit for Malaysia.”
Alonso feels encouraged by the McLaren-Honda MP4/30 despite its numerous mechanical issues during testing, and is eager to work through the data from Australia to help improve the car further.
“Even though we faced a lot of challenges in the tests, I am very encouraged by the feeling I got from the car,” insisted Alonso. “I’m looking forward to going through all of the data from this weekend with the team to continue our push for development and improve our performance.
“I wish Kevin all the best for this weekend in Australia, and I know the car is in his safe hands!”
