Formula One driver Fernando Alonso was today taken to hospital after being involved in a crash at speeds of up to 150mph.

The 33-year-old McLaren driver was taken from the track by ambulance after suffering concussion during the high-speed accident.

The Spaniard was then airlifted by helicopter to hospital following the crash, which happened during the final day of the Formula One pre-season test in Barcelona. 

McLaren said the two-time former world champion was 'conscious and able to speak' while receiving first aid at the circuit's medical centre, but had been taken to hospital for 'precautionary checks'.

After several hours of tests and observation, the team later added that Alonso was 'uninjured' but had suffered concussion in the accident, which took place just before turn four at the Circuit de Catalunya.

Team director Eric Boullier said: 'Fernando's accident was just one of those things that happens in testing.

'Fortunately, he's fine, but was concussed during the accident, which therefore required an overnight stay in hospital as a precaution. That's normal practice after a concussion.'


CC: DailyMail.