McLaren Honda racer Fernando Alonso has been withdrawn from the season opening Australian Grand Prix following his test crash in Barcelona nine days ago.
The Spaniard suffered a concussion amidst an off at the quick turn three at the Catalan circuit on February 22nd, quickly taking him out of the rest of pre-season testing.
An update released today by the McLaren team confirmed that while he has been cleared of all injuries, Alonso’s personal doctors have advised that he should “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.”
As such, the 33-year-old has been withdrawn from the Australian Grand Prix and replaced by reserve driver Kevin Magnussen.
It is a sensible suggestion from Alonso’s medical team, who are keen to avoid the possibility of ‘second impact syndrome’, which in many circumstances can lead to either permanent brain damage or even death.
The subject of ‘second impact syndrome’ is one that is now being taken very seriously across the sporting land, whether it American Football, boxing, motorsport, football or any other professional activity.
The double-world champion has already begun physical training to facilitate his return and it is anticipated that Alonso will compete at the Malaysian Grand Prix at the end of this month.
For those with satellites attached to their heads, it appears there is still no conspiracy here.
