March 3, 2015 – McLaren driver Fernando Alonso has decided to miss the opening round of the 2015 FIA Formula 1 world championship, the Australian Grand Prix, that is taking place on March 15.
An official statement on McLaren’s website stated: “Fernando’s doctors have recommended to him that, following the concussion he sustained in a testing accident at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya on February 22nd, for the time being he should seek to limit as far as is possible any environmental risk factors that could potentially result in his sustaining another concussion so soon after his previous one, so as to minimise the chances of second impact syndrome, as is normal medical procedure when treating athletes after concussions.
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 13th, 14th and 15th.”
However, Alonso is expected to make an appearance at the second round of the season, the Malaysian Grand Prix, while McLaren’s reserve driver Kevin Magnussen will be his replacement in Melbourne.
“Fernando’s doctors acknowledge that he feels fit and well, and that he regards himself as ready to race, and, that being the case, they are comfortable with the fact that he has already recommenced physical training, with a view to preparing for a return to the cockpit of his McLaren-Honda car for the Malaysian Grand Prix meeting on March 27th, 28th and 29th.” the statement added.