Alonso cleared to race in China

McLaren’s Fernando Alonso has been cleared to take part in the remainder of the race weekend in China after successfully coming through a further examination by the FIA medical team following Friday morning’s first practice.

The Spaniard, who was forced to sit out the last race in Bahrain because of the lung and rib injuries he suffered in his massive crash in Australia, had previously only been declared ‘provisionally fit’ to drive.

In a statement issued ahead of FP2, the FIA said Alonso is ‘fit to take part in all remaining sessions this weekend’ but that he must stop his car immediately if he suffers any ‘abnormal symptoms’.

The FIA statement in full:

"As a result of a medical examination undertaken following Free Practice One, the FIA F1 Medical Delegate, Prof. Jean-Charles Piette, and the Chief Medical Officer of the Chinese Grand Prix, Prof. Shiyi Chen, have ruled that Fernando Alonso is fit to take part in all remaining sessions this weekend.

"However, as with this morning’s session, in case of any abnormal symptoms the driver has been informed that he must stop his car immediately.

"As the driver has been cleared to take part, no further medical checks will be undertaken unless the driver presents any abnormal symptom or incident."