Racing
Associated Press 9y

Alonso's MRI, CT scan OK

AutoRacing, Formula 1

MONTMELO, Spain -- McLaren driver Fernando Alonso is making a "solid recovery" after being concussed following a crash in Formula One testing and is staying in the hospital for further observation.

The Spanish driver escaped serious injury but was airlifted by helicopter to the hospital for precautionary checks after his McLaren hit a wall at the Barcelona-Catalunya circuit Sunday.

In a statement released Monday, McLaren says Alonso is chatting with family, friends and hospital staff as he recovers "from the effects of the medication that successfully managed his routine sedation."

"In hospital, a thorough and complete analysis of his condition was performed, involving CT scans and MRI scans, all of which were completely normal," McLaren said.

The team will decide later whether Alonso is able to take part in the next testing session scheduled in Catalonia at the same track from Feb. 26-March 1.

Alonso went off the circuit at the exit of the demanding Curve 3 and slammed the right side of his McLaren into the wall. He received first aid at the track's medical center and was sedated before being transferred to the hospital.

"In order to provide the privacy and tranquility required to facilitate a peaceful recuperation, he is being kept in hospital for further observation, and to recover from the effects of the medication that successfully managed his routine sedation yesterday," his team said.

After assessing the damage to Alonso's car, McLaren said his crash was caused by "unpredictably gusty winds at that part of the circuit at that time, and which had affected other drivers similarly."

Toro Rosso's Spanish newcomer Carlos Sainz Jr. also hit the wall exiting Turn 3.

McLaren said it found no evidence of mechanical failure on the car and dismissed rumors that Alonso lost consciousness at the time of the crash because of an electrical discharge in the energy recovery system.

"Our data clearly shows that he was downshifting while applying full brake pressure right up to the moment of the first impact, something that clearly would not have been possible had he been unconscious at the time," McLaren said.

^ Back to Top ^