TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – McLaren team driver Fernando Alonso will miss the season-opening Australian Grand Prix on March 15. The team’s medical official states that the world champion has not fully recovered from his injuries due to the crash he suffered last month in Spain.
“It will be tough not to be in Australia, but I understand the recommendations," tweeted Alonso through his @alo_official Twitter account. Alonso acknowledged his medical team’s advice sought to avoid further unwanted risks.
Alonso hopes the Malaysian GP on March 29, 2015 would be a “come back” as the team and team of doctors have given the green light for him to race in the next round.
The two-time champion's place will be taken by Dane Kevin Magnussen, McLaren's reserve driver. Magnussen tweeted: "Shame about the circumstances but still I'm so excited to be racing in Melbourne."
Alonso was driving at a speed of 215km/h (133.6mph) when he lost control of his car at the Circuit de Catalunya. He hit a wall, suffered two blows to his head and was immediately flown to hospital, where he was kept for three nights.
This season, Alonso will team up with Jensen Button after his transfer from Ferrari. McLaren recruited Alonso in hopes of improving the team’s achievements after last year’s zero victory.
BBC | ANDI RUSLI