Fernando Alonso to miss Australian Grand Prix

Alonso was in Spain last weekend at testing for McLaren. Credit: PA

Fernando Alonso is to sit out the season-opening Formula One Grand Prix in Australia on advice from doctors.

Alonso sustained concussion following a heavy crash during the recent second pre-season test in Barcelona, resulting in the Spaniard spending three days in hospital.

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Although Alonso has made a full recovery and has been described as "asymptomatic", his doctors believe it unwise for him to race in Melbourne so soon after the accident.

For the Albert Park event on March 13-15, Jenson Button will now be partnered by reserve driver Kevin Magnussen, who competed for McLaren last season, with Alonso to return to the cockpit for the race in Malaysia on March 27-29.