MADRID, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- The accident which saw SpanishFormula 1 pilot Fernando Alonso airlifted to hospital in Barcelonaon Sunday was not caused by any mechanical failure or driver error,but a gust of "wind", his McLaren Honda team confirmed onMonday.
Alonso needed to be airlifted to hospital after hitting a wallat 150 kilometers an hour, during pre-season practice in theMontmelo circuit outside of Barcelona.
"The accident was caused by the unpredictable gusts of wind inthat part of the circuit and they had also affected other pilots ina similar manner," explained his team, which insisted there hadbeen no mechanical or structural failure in the Spaniard's car.
The team also denied rumors that Alonso had lost consciousnessbefore the crash, explaining that the fact he had changed gear andbraked before hitting the wall, was "clearly impossible if he hadbeen unconscious at that moment".
Alonso has undergone a series of tests in hospital to ensure hehad not suffered any internal injuries and McLaren say the resultshave been "completely normal", although he will "remain in hospitalin order to recover from the effects of his medication andsedation", and he will leave hospital when he can "lead a normallife".
"There is no hurry, we don't know if he will be one, two orthree days, we will be in as long as needed for the medical team todecide we can leave", confirmed his representative, Luis GarciaAbad. Enditem
