Alonso gets provisional clearance to race in the Chinese GP

It has been announced this afternoon that Fernando Alonso has been provisionally cleared to race in the Chinese Grand Prix by the FIA.

Following his crash in the season-opening Australian Grand Prix, Alonso was ruled out of the second race in Bahrain due to the injuries sustained in Melbourne. Having continued his recovery from fractured ribs, the McLaren driver underwent more tests on Thursday morning at the Shanghai International Circuit.

Having said he feels “physically 100%”, Alonso has been cleared by the FIA to drive in FP1 on Friday morning, after which he will then undergo further tests to determine if he can complete the full race weekend. Alonso also has to follow directions from the FIA medical delegate.

Should Alonso be ruled out following the first practice session, McLaren reserve driver Stoffel Vandoorne will again replace the Spaniard. The full statement issued by the FIA is as follows:-

Since the accident at the Australian Grand Prix, McLaren Honda Formula 1 Team driver Fernando Alonso has been undergoing the process of 'Reintegration' in accordance with Chapter II of Appendix L of the International Sporting Code. McLaren Honda have applied for Alonso to participate in the 2016 Chinese Grand Prix.

As the injury to the driver was discovered some days after the Australian Grand Prix, the Reintegration does not strictly fall within the text of the Appendix. Therefore, the Stewards have taken advice from the FIA Medical Delegate, who in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) of the Chinese Grand Prix and the driver's doctors advise that he considers the driver provisionally fit to take part in the event. Given the exceptional circumstances, and having heard from the team, the Stewards have decided to exempt the driver from strict compliance with Art. 3(b) of Chapter II of Appendix L, relying instead on Art. 3(a) which has been satisfied.

Therefore driver Fernando Alonso will be allowed to participate, subject to the provision below.
“The driver has been given directions by the FIA Medical Delegate and CMO which he is to follow (Art. 12.1.1.i of the International Sporting Code.) Further, in accordance with Art. 22.14 of the Formula One Sporting Regulations, he is instructed by the FIA Medical Delegate and CMO to undergo a further examination immediately following FP1 to determine his further eligibility to take part in the remainder of the Event.

Keep your eyes peeled at Driving for Pleasure for our coverage of the Chinese GP this weekend.

Sarah Jones- @jonesy_laaa