Fernando Alonso is to miss this weekend's Bahrain Grand Prix after failing mandatory medical check

The Spaniard who crashed heavily in the previous race at Melbourne appeared fine in the wake of the accident, taking to social media admitting how lucky he'd been.

However, following today's mandatory medical examination in Bahrain, the Spaniard was ruled out of the event.

A brief statement issued by the FIA reads:

"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.

"A repeat chest scan has been requested before the Chinese Grand Prix and the results will be considered before allowing him to race there."

Ironically, the Spaniard missed last year's season opener following his mysterious crash, several weeks earlier, during testing at Barcelona.

Reacting to today's ruling McLaren issued a brief statement of its own, it reads:

"Following a decision by the FIA doctors, Fernando Alonso will not be participating in this weekend's 2016 Bahrain Grand Prix.

Following any on-track incident, we will always abide by the FIA doctors' decisions.

As usual, McLaren Honda reserve driver Stoffel Vandoorne will be on hand on Friday morning and will make his Formula 1 debut in place of Fernando."

Earlier this week, Honda confirmed that along with the McLaren chassis, the entire power unit was a write-off following the crash, which was measured at 46g. Indeed, it is understood the Spaniard's composite seat was cracked in the accident.

Vandoorne, who was taking part in a two-day Super Formula pre-season test at the Okayama International Circuit, subsequently tweeted: "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."

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