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Former F1 driver convinced Alonso had physical problem

Published on 04 Mar 2015 09:32
3
By: Rob Veenstra

Officially, a gust of wind blew Fernando Alonso off the track on February 22, resulting in a concussion that has sidelined him for Melbourne. Unofficially, rumours and doubt are running wild. 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 one," said the former Ferrari driver, "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."

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." (GMM)

F1 News Fernando Alonso McLaren Ferrari Honda

Replies (3)

BtwnDitches

Posts: 204
I think that the details published in this report, and the recent comments of Martin Brundle and others with whom he consulted completely change the picture. To call them "interesting" would be to undervalue them. Unless Alonso now comes out immediately and categorically denies having ever told family and friends about a pre-accident shock in his lower back, then that factor must remain in the mix, and belie any later counter-assertions/denials by McLaren-Honda about an errant electrical release from the PU as a contributor to his accident. Fernando has no reason to assert such a thing if it weren't true, and they have every reason to want to cover it up.

I respect absolutely the entitlement of Ferdie to sit-out the upcoming race in Melbourne on the recommendation of his medical advisers. But I would caution him to beware the prospect that McLaren-Honda may, for its own reasons be positioning him as a scapegoat (with suspiciously diminished capacities or new innuendo possibilities in those regards) when he does resume driving for the team but may be unable to achieve the podium anytime soon. Ron Dennis has a history of vacillating trustworthiness, and Honda has bet its its world-reputation on this car. There's plenty of room for nefarious strategies.

To "put a point on it," Ferdie may be DEVALUED on return to racing by any cover-up by the team and/or failure of FIA investigators to independently examine all facets thoroughly and, now, specifically exclude electrical release as a cause or contributor to Alonso's failure to expertly handle a gust of wind. This would allow McLaren to push him around in ways that were implausible before the event (e.g., in giving Jensen "top driver" status, or scheduling alternate driving assignments with the now-again loudly complaining Magnussen).

Watch your back, Ferdie.
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- Mar 4 2015 - 14:43
- Elmgreen
  
  Posts: 23
  wow, are u serious. The driver who performs best gets top status. Simple as that. As for Magnussen complaining, wtf you been drinking. Hes been NOTHING but professional about the whole situation. Yes he gave the impression he was disappointed,- who wouldnt be, getting dumped for such an overrated driver as FA. Other than that hes been nothing but loyal to the team. You need to stop your conspiracy theories. Not saying mclaren is telling everything but if anything, it seems FA is using this situation to get away from a car/team he knows wont win him 3 world title right away!!
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  Mar 4 2015 - 17:04
- khasmir
  
  Posts: 893
  This is not a "report", it's a bunch of gossip, assumptions and hearsay.
  A "major shock in his spine" imho has nothing to do with electric shock but does it matter? What is the source of this info? He heard from someone, who heard from someone else, who knows Alonso...
  
  Why does everyone need to share his own crazy theory of what happened without knowing any of the facts or without any involvement at all.
  Same for that doctor: did he treat Alonso? Did he examine him? Does he know his medical record?
  When I read the statement that was released by the doctors that actually treated him then, if I can still read and understand English, he did suffer from a concussion. Maybe it was a minor one and maybe they are being overly cautious, but in that case it makes sense if you want to avoid SIS. Better safe than sorry no?
  
  I don't even understand why anyone is interested in what all these fruitcakes have to say, lets ignore them plz, this is not "news".
  If Alonso himself had serious concerns about his safety then I'm sure he would not sit there and be quiet like he is doing now.
  
  But, I read a lot of McLaren said this and McLaren said that... They hardly say anything at all and this is pure fuel for the above mentioned fruitcakes.
  + 0
  
  Mar 4 2015 - 19:00