Fernando Alonso has been given permission to participate in Chinese Grand Prix first practice, but will undergo further tests afterwards to determine his eligibility for the remainder of the weekend.
After fracturing a rib in the Australian GP, Alonso then sat out the subsequent Formula 1 grand prix in Bahrain on medical advice.
Further tests followed at the Shanghai International Circuit medical centre on Thursday morning, and following a lengthy wait the two-time world champion has been given provisional dispensation to drive in FP1.
A statement from the FIA read: “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 (Jean-Charles Piette), 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.”
Prior to the FIA statement, Alonso proclaimed himself to be ready as he said: “I feel good. I feel OK.
“In Bahrain I was mentally 100 per cent ready to race physically, but I had a lot of pain. I was ready to try to at least see if the pain was manageable with the broken rib.
“The situation has improved a lot and mentally I am 120 per cent now, but physically I am 100 per cent with no pain in the last couple of days.
“I have been training with the normal routine for the past two weeks – running, bicycle, golf, tennis, many a sport that was a big change in terms of this race to be a little more ready and fit.
“I did sleep for the last two weeks as well because for the first 10 days after Australia I could only sleep on one side so that was not really comfortable.
“But from Bahrain to here, a big improvement. I feel good.”
