Alonso ‘completely fine’ after crash: McLaren chairman
BARCELONA: Fernando Alonso is “devoid of all injuries” from Sunday’s crash in testing and is expected to line up on the grid for the season-opening race in Australia next month, McLaren boss Ron Dennis said on Thursday.
According to Dennis the 33-year-old Alonso was knocked unconscious “for a few seconds” after hitting a wall in pre-season testing in Barcelona.
Two-time world champion Alonso, who was released from hospital on Wednesday, is not taking part in this week’s final test with reserve driver Kevin Magnussen partnering Jenson Button.
Dennis said Alonso is “completely fine” but added that a final decision on the Spaniard’s fitness would be taken by doctors.
“He is devoid of all injuries,” Dennis was quoted as saying by the BBC. “We can categorically say he has no injury.
“I’m not a doctor, but I can’t foresee any reason why (Alonso would not race in Australia) not.
“There is a process of tests laid down by the FIA and I can’t see any reason why he won’t sail through it, but it’s not for me to determine. “All he wants to do at the moment is to race and test.” HAMILTON FASTEST BARCELONA: World champion Lewis Hamilton was fastest on a rain-interrupted first morning of the final four-day test in Barcelona.
Hamilton bettered his own time that sealed pole at the Spanish Grand Prix last year in 1min 24:881sec within the first hour, but was held up by an unexpected rain shower that limited the Englishman to 48 laps.
Felipe Massa was second quickest for Williams, whilst Daniil Kyvat was third fastest despite breaking down in the Red Bull on his way out the pitlane early on.
However, McLaren-Honda’s problems persist as Jenson Button was once again at the back of the grid on time and mileage completed after completing just seven laps.
SCHUMI’S FAMILY
LONDON: As Michael Schumacher continues his painfully slow recovery at his Swiss lakeside home, his family have reportedly sold off their holiday home in Norway for a little less than 2 million pounds. A newspaper revealed that the family had planned the sale before the ski accident and that negotiations to sell the property were suspended while Schumacher was being treated.