F1 2015: Fernando Alonso to return for Malaysian Grand Prix

Fernando Alonso will return for the Malaysian Grand Prix this weekend subject to final FIA medical assessments, McLaren have confirmed.

The Spaniard missed the season's opening race in Australia on 15 March after crashing during pre-season testing in Barcelona in February.

A statement from McLaren explained the 30-year-old has undergone a rigorous, specialist training programme to determine whether he is fit to return to the cockpit.

"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," the statement read.

"Since his Barcelona testing accident, Fernando has followed a rigorous, specialised training programme, designed and closely monitored by leading sports scientists, to ensure his safe and timely return to racing.

"At the McLaren Technology Centre last week, Fernando met with his engineers and drove the simulator, to bring him up to date with the latest developments on the MP4-30 chassis and power unit. As part of that process he spent time with senior engineers, discussing the accident and reviewing the comprehensive data and analysis, all of which has been shared with the FIA," the statement continued.

"While there was nothing evident in the extensive car telemetry data, nor anything abnormal in the subsequent reconstructions and laboratory tests, Fernando recalls a sense of 'heavy' steering prior to the accident. Consequently, the team has fitted an additional sensor to the car, to increase our data capture."