Dennis asked FIA to let Alonso compete

Manama : McLaren chairman Ron Dennis asked the FIA to let Fernando Alonso take part in Formula 1’s Bahrain Grand Prix after Friday practice, but the governing body declined the request.

Alonso was deemed not fit enough to compete this weekend by the FIA and later revealed his Australian Grand Prix crash left him with broken ribs and the risk of further lung damage. Reserve Stoffel Vandoorne flew in from Japan, where he was taking part in Super Formula testing, as a replacement with Alonso staying to support the team.

“Dialogue between McLaren and the FIA is ongoing and to be expected,” said a McLaren spokesperson.

“It remains our, the FIA’s and indeed Fernando’s intention to prioritise his health and wellbeing whilst optimising his chances of returning to the cockpit as soon as possible.”

FIA president Jean Todt said there were no grounds for the FIA’s stance to change when Dennis made his request on Friday evening.