Fernando Alonso Forgot 20 Years After Crash

F1 driver Fernando Alonso believed it was 1995 after suffering concussion after a crash in testing in Barcelona, it has been reported.

"I'm Fernando, I'm in karts and want to become Formula 1 driver," he told doctors who asked him who he was and what he remembered about the accident, according to Le Pais newspaper.

The Spaniard had apparently forgotten his Formula One debut with Minardi in 2001, becoming the youngest ever F1 Champion in 2005 and his second championship the following year.

He also told doctors he remembered nothing about the crash at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, which saw him lose control and hit a wall.

Alonso will sit out the opening Grand Prix of the season in Australia despite being given a clean bill of health.

Doctors asked the McLaren driver to avoid racing in Melbourne because of the fear of "second-impact syndrome", a second concussion occurring when the effects of the first are still subsiding, potentially resulting in severe brain injuries or even death.

On Twitter, Alonso said: "It will be tough not to be in Australia, but I understand the recommendations. A second impact in less than 21 days "NO" #countdownMalaysia."

A McLaren statement said: "Fernando's doctors acknowledge he feels fit and well, and he regards himself as ready to race.

"That being the case they are comfortable with the fact he has already recommenced physical training, with a view to preparing for a return to the cockpit of his McLaren-Honda car for the Malaysian Grand Prix meeting on March 27, 28 and 29.

"Indeed, his doctors are supportive of that ambition, satisfied as they are that he sustained no damage whatsoever during his testing accident on February 22."

The two-time world champion returned to McLaren this season after five years with Ferrari.