Fernando Alonso has been ruled out of the Bahrain GP as a result of injuries sustained in his Melbourne crash – and the former World Champion will be replaced by McLaren third driver Stoffel Vandoorne for the rest of the weekend.
Alonso complained of a swollen knee and sore ribs after the accident, and following an FIA medical examination in Bahrain today he was ruled out because of the latter. Last year he missed the Australian GP as a result of his Barcelona testing accident.
An FIA statement said: “Following an examination undertaken this morning at the Bahrain International Circuit Medical Centre, it has been decided that McLaren Honda F1 Team driver Fernando Alonso should not take part in this weekend’s Bahrain Grand Prix. Two sets of chest CT scans were compared and it was decided on safety grounds that there was insufficient resolution of the signs to allow him to compete on safety grounds.”
It added: “A repeat chest scan has been requested before the Chinese Grand Prix and the results will be considered before allowing him to race there.”
Vandoorne was in Japan for a Super Formula test when he got the news that he will be racing this weekend, and he duly rushed to the airport. He said on Twitter: “About to board for Bahrain, a bit earlier than expected but so much looking forward to it! Will do my very best for the team.”
Adam Cooper's F1 Blog 
Two Dutch wonder kids in the same gp! I’m putting my money on a points finish for Vandoorne at the very least.
… I presume alo_official’s contract is rock solid?
A rock solid F1 contract? Ha ha….
Points in his debut race? In an unproven at best, McLaren?? I just hope he finishes the race without taking himself or his team mate out on the opening lap.
As a McLaren fan I do appreciate your enthusiasm, we haven’t had much to cheer about of late! 🙂
Vandoorne is a Belgian wonder kid.
Great call Off Track, he out qualified Button AND scored points. I didn’t see it coming at all.