Alonso was unconscious after crash - McLaren

fernandoalonso - CROPPED

Fernando Alonso had a "period of unconsciousness" after his testing crash in Barcelona, McLaren team principal Ron Dennis has revealed.

The Spaniard slammed into an inside wall after turn three of the Circuit de Catalunya on Sunday, and was airlifted to hospital after receiving ambulance treatment by the track.

Scans revealed no injuries to the 33-year-old, but he remained under observation in hospital until Wednesday.

Alonso now faces a race against time to be ready for next month's opening grand prix of 2015 in Australia, but Dennis is confident he will be on the grid in Melbourne.

"Fernando was unconscious in the car for a relatively short period of time after the crash," the team boss said on Thursday.

"There was no evidence of any electrocution in his crash. He was unconscious only for a few seconds, here is no evidence of any injury to his brain.

"Doctors will make the final decision on whether he can race in Australia, but I see no reason why he cannot be present.

"Fernando is well, eager to drive, and wanted to participate in these tests but doctor have not let him.

"If Fernando does not race in Melbourne, Kevin Magnussen will take his place in the car."

Author(s)