Alonso to undergo more tests after concussion

BARCELONA — Two-time Formula One world champion Fernando Alonso (picture) requires further medical tests to see if he can be released from hospital, reported the BBC.

The McLaren driver is in intensive care after suffering a concussion in a crash during pre-season testing at the Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona on Sunday. The 33-year-old’s McLaren reportedly hit the wall at the exit of the 150mph Turn Three, but his manager Luis Garcia Abad told the Spanish media that Alonso is fine.

“He is well and I don’t think there will be any problems,” he said.

“The impact was quite strong, but fortunately it was nothing. He was conscious and able to speak.”

The accident is a blow to McLaren with only four days left of testing before this year’s Formula One World Championship season starts with the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne on March 15.

Alonso’s team-mate Jenson Button admitted that McLaren are unlikely to have a car capable of winning in Melbourne, but the 2009 world champion remains optimistic.

“I know we will not have a race-winning car at the first race, but we could have one by the last race,” Button was quoted as saying by The Daily Telegraph. “You’re going to see big improvements from us. This is a very different situation to the last two years.” AGENCIES