Alonso making progress following crash

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fernandoalonso - cropped

McLaren have reiterated that Fernando Alonso is in good health following his crash in Formula One testing, which they insist was not caused by a mechanical failing.

Alonso slammed into an inside wall at turn three of the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya on Sunday and was airlifted to hospital after receiving ambulance treatment by the track.

The Woking-based constructor later posted on Twitter to confirm that Alonso was "fine" and, although scans had not revealed any injuries, would remain in hospital for overnight observation.

A picture of the two-time F1 world champion smiling with his thumb up was tweeted by his manager on Monday, and McLaren have now provided further assurances over his condition.

A McLaren statement read: "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.

"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."

McLaren added that the crash was primarily down to tricky weather conditions at the circuit, rather than any problem with the Spaniard's car.

The statement continued: "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.

"We can categorically state that there is no evidence that indicates that Fernando's car suffered mechanical failure of any kind."

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