Fernando Alonso has been discharged from the Spanish hospital in Barcelona looking after him following his McLaren test crash on Sunday.
The Spaniard was concussed following a heavy shunt on the final day of the second pre-season test at the Circuit de Catalunya.
He remained in hospital for three nights despite initial CT and MRI scans showing nothing abnormal. That prompted various conspiracy theories about what actually caused the crash.
Alonso leaving hospital on Wednesday (© @AlbertFabrega)
McLaren’s official version blamed high wind and a loss of traction.
“[Alonso’s] car ran wide at the entry to Turn Three – which is a fast uphill right-hander – allowing it to run onto the Astroturf that lines the outside of the track. A consequent loss of traction caused a degree of instability, spitting it back towards the inside of the circuit, where it regained traction and struck the wall side-on.
“Our findings indicate that the accident was caused by the unpredictably gusty winds at that part of the circuit at that time, and which had affected other drivers.”
The 33-year-old will miss the final pre-season test with McLaren confirming reserve driver Kevin Magnussen will drive alongside Jenson Button.
“[Alonso] will sit out this week’s final winter test, at which he was due to share driving duties with Jenson Button. Kevin Magnussen, McLaren-Honda’s test and reserve driver, will replace him,” read a short statement.
“Jenson will be testing the McLaren-Honda car tomorrow (February 26), and the team will confirm the full day-to-day running order in due course.”
Discussion about this post