Fernando Alonso has been ruled out of the upcoming Bahrain Grand Prix on safety grounds.
The 34-year-old sustained a chest injury during his 180mph crash during the season-opening race in Australia on March 20.
There had been suggestions that the Spaniard was going to be cleared to feature in the Middle East, but following an assessment by Federation Internationale de l'Automobile doctors, Alonso has been sidelined.
"Following an examination undertaken this morning at the Bahrain International Circuit Medical Centre, it has been decided that McLaren Honda F1 Team driver Fernando Alonso should not take part in this weekend's Bahrain Grand Prix," a statement from the governing body read.
"Two sets of chest CT scans were compared and it was decided that there was insufficient resolution of the signs to allow him to compete on safety grounds.
"A repeat chest scan has been requested before the Chinese Grand Prix and the results will be considered before allowing him to race there."
McLaren's reserve driver Stoffel Vandoorne is expected to race in Alonso's place.
Liam Apicella
