McLaren confirm Fernando Alonso return

McLaren have revealed that Fernando Alonso will be behind the wheel at Sunday's Malaysian Grand Prix, subject to the Spaniard successfully passing a final FIA medical assessment this Thursday.

The 33-year-old missed the opening race of the season in Australia following his crash during a winter testing session in Barcelona last month.

However, his team have now confirmed that he is likely to return to action this weekend.

"Since his Barcelona testing accident, Fernando has followed a rigorous, specialised training programme, designed and closely monitored by leading sports scientists, to ensure his safe and timely return to racing," read a statement.

"Fernando is very much looking forward to getting back into the car and making a substantial contribution to our collective efforts with Honda, to accelerate the required improvement to our on-track performance."

Alonso has won at the Sepang International Circuit on three previous occasions.