02/04/2016
NEWS STORY
McLaren boss Ron Dennis has asked the FIA to allow Fernando Alonso to race this weekend.
The Spaniard was ruled out of the event following an examination on Thursday, later revealing that he had cracked as number of ribs in the Melbourne crash.
However, in the wake of the MP4-31's performance in the practice sessions yesterday, Dennis and team manager Dave Redding met with the FIA, including medical delegate professor Jean-Charles Piette, to discuss getting the Spaniard back in the car.
"Dialogue between McLaren and the FIA is ongoing and to be expected," a McLaren spokesman told Pitpass, "and it remains our, the FIA's and indeed Fernando's intention to prioritise his health and wellbeing whilst optimising his chances of returning to the cockpit as soon as possible."
Other than the fears expressed by Alonso on Friday, that another accident could cause his lung to be punctured, there is the question as to how this move might affect stand-in Stoffel Vandoorne.
Then again, as of January 2014, the Bahrain royal family's Mumtalakat investment company has owned 50% of McLaren Group, consequently a good showing this weekend is vital.
The FIA however refused Dennis' request, the Bahrain stewards insisting there was no justification in over-ruling the medical decision.
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