Fernando Alonso says he is 'perfectly fine' after crash

Posted February 26, 2015 10:00 pm

By JOSEPH WILSON

Fernando Alonso of Spain and McLaren Honda steers his car during the 2015 Formula One testing at the Barcelona Catalunya racetrack in Montmelo, Spain, Sunday, Feb. 22, 2015. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez) The Associated Press

MONTMELO, Spain (AP) - Fernando Alonso says he is "perfectly fine" as he recovers at home from a crash during Formula One preseason testing that sent him to the hospital for three days.

"As you can see, I am perfectly fine," the McLaren driver said on Friday in a video on YouTube. He looked relaxed and healthy, standing in front of a tall hedgerow wearing a blue sweatshirt.

The two-time F1 champion crashed on Sunday at the Barcelona-Catalunya circuit, ruling him out of the third and final test.

"I would like to be at the test this weekend, but the doctors' recommendation is to rest a few days," Alonso said. "I will see you very soon on the track."

He did not say if he plans to race in the season-opening Australian Grand Prix on March 15. McLaren chairman Ron Dennis has said he was hopeful the Spaniard would be fit by then.

Alonso did not mention the cause of the accident that sent him into the wall at Turn Three. McLaren has said it has ruled out car malfunction and believes that high winds might have played a part in his crash. Governing body FIA is investigating.

McLaren has continued testing with Jenson Button on Friday. Reserve driver Kevin Magnussen will take Alonso's place if he is not ready in time for the race in Melbourne.

Medical staff holds sheets around Fernando Alonso of Spain and McLaren Honda as he is evacuated from the medical centre to the helicopter after crashing during the 2015 Formula One testing at the Barcelona Catalunya racetrack in Montmelo, Spain, Sunday, Feb. 22, 2015. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez) The Associated Press

Fernando Alonso of Spain and McLaren Honda is evacuated from the medical centre to the helicopter after crashing during the 2015 Formula One testing at the Barcelona Catalunya racetrack in Montmelo, Spain, Sunday, Feb. 22, 2015. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez) The Associated Press

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