Shanghai, China - Fernando Alonso has been provisionally cleared by Formula One doctors to race in the weekend's Chinese Grand Prix - provided he passes another examination.
The double former world champion fractured a rib in a heavy crash at the season-opener in Australia in March 20 and doctors then vetoed his participation in the following round in Bahrain.
Alonso said earlier in the week: “I'm continuing to prepare for the race weekend as normal,” and the FIA said on Thursday he was considered “provisionally fit to take part in the event” by doctors after an examination.
The sport’s governing body said Alonso would be checked over again after the first of two free practice sessions in Shanghai on Friday to determine finally whether he could race on Sunday.
Alonso, who won the Chinese GP in 2005 and 2013, was happy about his return.
“Back to the car,” he said on Instagram. “26 days of resting initially and hard work until now. Thank you all for the support, also to my family, doctors, trainers and close friends. Now let's do it!”
His place in Bahrain was taken by Stoffel Vandoorne, who took finished in the points in 10th place in his F1 debut.