Fernando Alonso says he can understand why he has been sidelined for the Australian Grand Prix, and wished McLaren reserve Kevin Magnussen who will replace in him Melbourne the best of luck.
McLaren on Tuesday announced that, on the advice of the Spaniard's doctors, the risk of 'second impact syndrome' means the 33-year-old will sit out the first race of the new Honda-powered era.
"It will be tough not to be in Australia," Alonso told his followers on Twitter, "but I understand the recommendations. A second impact in less than 21 days. NO."
Meanwhile his replacement Magnussen wrote on Twitter: "Shame about the circumstances, but still I'm so excited to be racing in Melbourne. Can't wait!"
Alonso replied: "Best of luck at the race mate!"
21 days after Alonso's February crash would be 15 March -- the day of the Melbourne race.
The 21-day issue is a pertinent one. Protocol in sports such as rugby dictates that concussed athletes not play again for at least 21 days.
Lotus driver Romain Grosjean told RMC Sport that, although Alonso's crash did not seem to be particularly heavy, fully lateral impacts are extremely rare, "Almost always you crash with some sort of angle resulting in damage.
"But when you hit the wall completely parallel, and the car does not break, suddenly all of the energy that is supposed to be absorbed by the carbon is absorbed completely by Fernando," added Gorsjean.
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