Did a 600 watt shock cause Alonso's testing accident?

Officially, a gust of wind blew Fernando Alonso's McLaren off the Circuit de Catalunya on 22 February, resulting in his concussion that has sidelined him for the season opening Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne.

Unofficially, speculation and doubt are running wild with most recent;y Sky Italia, the F1 broadcaster, claims the Spanish driver has confided to close friends and family that he suffered a "major shock in his spine" before losing control of his McLaren-Honda and striking the Barcelona wall.

The broadcaster made clear that Alonso did not say specifically that he was electrocuted, but the report adds weight to the theory that there is more than meets the eye to the controversial crash saga.

Fabrizio Barbazza, an Italian who had a brief F1 career in the early 90s, is quoted by La Repubblica newspaper: "Fernando took a 600 watt hit with serious consequences. Difficulty focusing and temporary obstruction of the veins."

Another disparaging voice belongs to Rene Arnoux, a winner of seven grands prix.

"The recommendation of Alonso's doctors did not surprise me in the least," he said at the Geneva Motor Show, "because I am convinced that Fernando had a physical problem before the accident.

"I have driven in Formula 1, I know what I'm talking about. The impact was lateral, more of a glancing blow, and it does not explain the damage (to Alonso). I firmly believe that Alonso felt wrong at the steering wheel. That there was wind was then used as a welcome excuse," said the former Ferrari driver.

A neurosurgeon at Barcelona's Quiron Dexeus hospital, Dr Roberto Belvis, also furrows his brow at McLaren saying it is the risk of 'second impact syndrome' (SIS) that has sidelined Alonso.

"Preventing SIS is not logical if there are no symptoms of concussion. Once recovered, if there are no headaches, concentration problems or if the patient is speaking correctly, then there is no danger of a second impact," he said.

Another theory, he said, is that Alonso's loss of consciousness remains unexplained.

"If there was an unexplained loss of consciousness," Dr Belvis told the Spanish sports daily AS, "it is prudent for Alonso to not drive for three or four weeks. And to continue having tests.

"But it doesn't make sense to tell the media that he is 100 per cent recovered, but he will not compete due to SIS."

Former F1 driver Patrick Tambay believes it to be a good decision to sit out the season opener, "It is a wise recommendation. Doctors tend to protect themselves as well, because in the case of another accident, they might be responsible for what happens."

"At the same time, on technical and sporting terms and what we have seen so far, it's really not a big loss for Alonso to be on the safe side physically and then return fully fit later on," Tambay added.