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Fernando Alonso released from hospital three days on from Barcelona test crash

Spaniard discharged on Wednesday after spending three nights in hospital; Two-time champ will miss final pre-season test; FIA to investigate accident

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McLaren have confirmed that Fernando Alonso will miss the final pre-season test at Barcelona with Kevin Magnussen to replace the Spaniard.

Fernando Alonso has been released from hospital in Barcelona, three days after suffering concussion in his crash during testing.

The Spaniard had spent a third night convalescing at the General Hospital de Catalunya following his accident on Sunday when his MP4-30 car left the road around Turn Three of the Circuit de Catalunya and hit the track wall at around 90mph.

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Footage has been released of Pastor Maldonado’s crash during last year’s Spanish GP weekend in a manner that is reminiscent of Alonso's

According to McLaren, Alonso crashed due to the "unpredictably gusty winds" which were also cited as the cause of Carlos Sainz's high-speed accident in the Toro Rosso. 

"His car ran wide at the entry to Turn Three – which is a fast uphill right-hander – allowing it to run onto the Astroturf that lines the outside of the track. A consequent loss of traction caused a degree of instability, spitting it back towards the inside of the circuit, where it regained traction and struck the wall side-on," the team said.

McLaren's description broadly echoes the details of Pastor Maldonado's crash at last year's Spanish GP.

In a strongly-worded statement, McLaren also refuted speculation that Alonso, who rejoined the team from Ferrari in December, may have been unconcious at the wheel of the MP4-30 when the crash occured, either because of ill health or an electric shock.

"We can categorically state that there is no evidence that indicates that Fernando’s car suffered mechanical failure of any kind," the team reported. "We can also confirm that absolutely no loss of aerodynamic pressure was recorded, which fact indicates that the car did not suffer any aerodynamic loss, despite the fact that it was subjected to a significant level of g-force. Finally, we can also disclose that no electrical discharge or irregularity of any kind occurred in the car’s ERS system, either before, during or after the incident.

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"That last point refutes the erroneous rumours that have spread recently to the effect that Fernando was rendered unconscious by an electrical fault. That is simply not true. 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."

MONTMELO, SPAIN - FEBRUARY 22:  Fernando Alonso of Spain and McLaren Honda receives medical assistance after crashing during day four of Formula One Winter

The FIA, the sport's governing body, have confirmed they will investigate the crash.

Although the two-time world champion was given the all clear by scans after being airlifted to hospital, he remained in intensive care after suffering concussion during a heavy impact which was reportedly measured at 30 g-force.

Alonso was finally relased from hospital on Wednesday afternoon, although he will miss the final pre-season test which will also be held at Barcelona.

Fears about Alonso's condition were assauged on Monday when the driver's manager, Luis Garcia, published a picture of the 33-year-old in which he looked relaxed and seemingly free from pain, although Garcia later told reporters that the Spaniard's recovery wouldn't be rushed. 

"F1 is not a game, we have to be sure that he is ready to drive the car at the right time because we want to be competitive to the last race of the season."

McLaren statement in full:

"We are pleased to confirm that, having been involved in an on-track incident at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya (Spain) on February 22nd, Fernando Alonso is making a solid recovery in hospital, and is chatting to family, friends and hospital staff.

"From the scene of the incident he was driven to the circuit’s medical centre, where he was given first aid and, as per normal procedures, was sedated in preparation for an air-lift to hospital.

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

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McLaren Racing Director Eric Boullier says Fernando Alonso has been given the all-clear after being taken to hospital following a heavy crash in testing at

"In order to provide the privacy and tranquillity 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.

"We intend to give him every opportunity to make a rapid and complete recovery, and will evaluate in due course whether or not he will participate in the next Barcelona test.

"Over the past 24 hours, we have been carrying out a detailed analysis of the damage to Fernando’s car, and its associated telemetry data, in order fully to understand the cause, or causes, of his accident. Even at this early stage, we have been able to reach some firm conclusions.

"His car ran wide at the entry to Turn Three – which is a fast uphill right-hander – allowing it to run onto the Astroturf that lines the outside of the track. A consequent loss of traction caused a degree of instability, spitting it back towards the inside of the circuit, where it regained traction and struck the wall side-on.

"Our findings indicate that the accident was caused by the unpredictably gusty winds at that part of the circuit at that time, and which had affected other drivers similarly (eg, Carlos Sainz Jnr).

"We can categorically state that there is no evidence that indicates that Fernando’s car suffered mechanical failure of any kind. We can also confirm that absolutely no loss of aerodynamic pressure was recorded, which indicates that the car did not suffer any aerodynamic loss, despite the fact that it was subjected to a significant level of g-force. Finally, we can also disclose that no electrical discharge or irregularity of any kind occurred in the car’s ERS system, either before, during or after the incident.

"That last point refutes the erroneous rumours that have spread recently to the effect that Fernando was rendered unconscious by an electrical fault. That is simply not true. 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.

"Our data also confirms that Fernando’s car struck the inside concrete wall, first with its front-right wheel and then with its rear-right. It was a significant lateral impact, resulting in damage to the front upright and axle.

"After the initial impact, the car slid down the wall for about 15 seconds before coming to a halt. All four wheels remained attached to the car, but no damage was sustained by the bodywork or crash structure between the front and rear wheels.

"We wish Fernando a very speedy recovery. As and when we have further updates to share, we will of course do so."

The Sky Sports F1 Digital Team will be providing live commentary from all four days of the final pre-season test in Barcelona. Sky Sports News HQ will also have live updates from trackside.

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