Official: Fernando Alonso out, replaced by Stoffel Vandoorne
Fernando Alonso was not cleared by FIA doctors to race in the Bahrain Grand Prix due to his accident in Australia. Stoffel Vandoorne will therefore compete in his first F1 race.
For the second time in a year, Fernando Alonso cannot start a F1 race. Last year, he had to withdraw from the season opener due to an accident during the last winter testing session in Barcelona.
This year, it is his impressive collision with Esteban Gutierrez that prevents him from being present in Bahrain, as officially announced by McLaren:
NEWS: @svandoorne will deputise for @alo_oficial in the #BahrainGP following the @FIA doctors' decision.
— McLaren (@McLarenF1) 31 mars 2016
This decision follows a statement from the FIA, informing that the Spanish driver did not pass the medical examinations: « Two chest scans were compared and it was decided that the symptoms had not sufficiently subsided to allow him to race for safety reasons. »
If he is therefore forfeiting the Middle East event, it is not yet certain that he will be lined up in China, fifteen days later: « A new chest scan will be requested before the Chinese Grand Prix, and the results will be considered before allowing him to race. »
As always, one man’s misfortune is another man’s fortune. Thus, Stoffel Vandoorne, the team’s reserve driver, will be able to participate in his first F1 Grand Prix. The young Belgian had to abruptly interrupt his tests in Japan while preparing for his Super Formula season. He quickly flew to Bahrain to join the team as soon as possible. He will be at the wheel tomorrow morning during the first practice session.
McLaren-Honda reserve driver @svandoorne will be in Bahrain on Friday morning ready to deputise. #F1 #BahrainGP pic.twitter.com/RpIVZX5GW5
— McLaren (@McLarenF1) March 31, 2016
With the participation of www.racingbusiness.fr
