Fernando Alonso set for Malaysia return

Alonso is set to return to action. Credit: PA

Fernando Alonso will race in the Malaysian Grand Prix as long as he comes through a final medical assessment on Thursday, his McLaren team have confirmed.

A crash in pre-season testing meant the Spaniard missed the opening round of the 2015 season in Australia as McLaren struggled towards the back of the grid - with Jenson Button finishing two laps down in 11th and last place after a string of retirements.

Alonso, returning to the Woking-based team having left Ferrari, crashed at high speed at turn three of the Circuit de Catalunya last month and suffered a concussion - with the two-time world champion not medically cleared to race in Melbourne as a result.

But a team statement read: "McLaren-Honda is pleased to announce that, subject to a successful final FIA medical assessment this Thursday 26th March at the Sepang International Circuit, Fernando Alonso will return to the cockpit of his MP4-30 car for this weekend's Malaysian Grand Prix."