F1: Wednesday simulator return for Alonso

Fernando Alonso will move a step closer to his Formula 1 return on Wednesday when he drives the McLaren simulator for the first time since his testing crash.

The Spaniard has been out of action after suffering concussion in a crash during the second test at Barcelona in February. Although doctors could not find any lasting injury from his hit with the wall, concerns about complications that could occur if he had another crash forced him out of the Australian Grand Prix.

Having resumed fitness training last week, and declared himself ready to race, Alonso flew to McLaren's Woking, UK factory on Tuesday to meet team chiefs. A Twitter post by the team confirmed that the Spaniard would be back in the simulator on Wednesday:

"Spotted at #MTC: Fernando's in the house today and will be in the simulator tomorrow."

Should the simulator session go well, Alonso will then undertake final medical tests before traveing to Malaysia with the team. He will require an official all-clear from the FIA before being allowed to drive again, though.

FIA investigations into the accident and its consequences are ongoing, with the governing body hoping to learn lessons about how a relatively small impact resulted in a driver being forced out of a race.

Originally on Autosport.com