Fernando Alonso returns

Fernando Alonso will take part in his first race of the 2015 Formula One season after being cleared by doctors to compete in the Malaysia Grand Prix this weekend.

The Spaniard, who suffered serious concussion after a crash during testing in Barcelona, passed mandatory medical tests and will race for McLaren-Honda this weekend in Sepang. The two-time World Champions suggested a steering problem could have contributed to a pre-season crash which had kept him out of the season-opener.

Speaking at a press conference Thursday, Alonso confirmed he did not lose consciousness in the car but as a result of medicine he was given for transportation by helicopter and subsequent testing.

"I was perfectly conscious at that time (of the accident), in the ambulance and in the clinic at the circuit," Alonso said. "The doctors said losing consciousness later) is normal just from the medicine they give you to put you in the helicopter or do the tests in the hospital."

Questions do remain over his MP4-30 car, which has now been fitted with extra sensors after none of the data collected in Spain was able to explain why the crash happened.

"I'm sure we're missing something on the data acquisition which we'll spot in 10 years' time when the knowledge is available," said Alonso.

Williams driver Valtteri Bottas was also passed fit for the race, after missing the season's opener on March 15 with a lower back injury.

apc/mh (AFP, dpa)