The McLaren Chairman and CEO concedes that it was an error to deny that Fernando Alonso had suffered a concussion following the Spaniard’s accident during testing:
“It was not the best performance by me. I understand why the press beat me up for being inaccurate. I wanted to be open and honest. I failed. But it is my objective to try to be as honest as possible in future,” Dennis explained.
“There is a very understandable concern about the complexities of a second concussion – OK, he had concussion – within 21 days of the first impact.
“This is all something very difficult to quantify, and certainly not within my capability. We know we have a mountain to climb and we’re in the process of climbing it. It’s massively complex. We’re not where we want to be but we will get to where we want to be given time.”
McLaren’s reserve driver, Kevin Magnussen, will drive in Australia this weekend instead of the 2 time world champion. It is believed that Alonso is in full training and expected to return for the Malaysian Grand Prix, however Dennis clarifies that the decision is ultimately up to his new recruit as to when he feels ready to make his race debut after returning to the team:
“It is not my decision. But as far as I know Fernando will be in Malaysia. I have every reason to believe he will be there. I spoke to him on the way over here. He wants to race there. I hope he does, but it is his decision, not mine.”
The Malaysian Grand Prix is due to be held on 29 March 2015. Until then, we will keep you up to date with further developments on Alonso’s health.
Amir Hussain
