McLaren’s Alonso remains doubtful for Chinese Grand Prix as Spaniard awaits medical green light
Two-time world champion Fernando Alonso admits he remains unsure whether he will be given the all-clear to make his comeback and compete at this weekend’s Chinese Grand Prix.
McLaren driver Alonso was ruled out of the Bahrain race earlier this month after fracturing ribs during a horror crash at the season-opening Australian Grand Prix in March.
The 34-year-old Spaniard will be examined by doctors of governing body the FIA on Thursday before a decision is made on whether he is fit to return to the track in Shanghai.
“While I hope I’ll be back in the cockpit on Friday, until I get the all-clear from the doctors to race, whenever that may be, we cannot assume anything, but I’m continuing to prepare for the race weekend as normal,” said Alonso.
“I’ve always enjoyed driving in China, I’ve won there twice before, and I hope we’ll be able to have some good battles on track and see more progress this weekend.”
If Alonso is ruled out, McLaren will again turn to reserve driver Stoffel Vandoorne of Belgium, who out-qualified team-mate Jenson Button on his grand prix debut and scored a point for a 10th-place finish.