F1 driver Fernando Alonso crashes during test drive, airlifted to Barcelona hospital

Formula One driver Fernando Alonso has been flown to hospital after crashing into a wall during pre-season testing in Barcelona.

A helicopter airlifted McLaren driver Alonso from Circuit de Catalunya to a hospital, after he crashed on turn three of the track, at around 93mph.

It happened on the final day of testing for McLaren on its new MP4-30 car.

Two-time Formula One champion Alonso was initially treated at the circuit's medical centre before being flown to hospital.

McLaren said later the Spaniard was "conscious and is speaking" in a message posted on Twitter. Team boss Éric Boullier said the hospital transfer was "precautionary" to Sky Sports.

Team boss Éric Boullier said the hospital transfer was "precautionary" to Sky Sports.

McLaren are desperate to return to the winner's podium in Formula One, following seasons blighted by uncompetitive cars.

But testing at Barcelona this week has been hit by issues continuing to hamper performance.

Alonso – who won back-to-back Formula One titles with Peugeot in 2005 and 2006 – will with partner Jenson Button.

Earlier in the day McLaren tweet photos of the test drive beginning.