Fernando Alonso was left unconscious following his heavy crash in testing last weekend, according to McLaren CEO Ron Dennis.

The Spaniard was airlifted to a nearby hospital after the incident at the Circuit de Catalunya, before being discharged to recover from his minor injuries at home.

There had been fears that Alonso would miss the start of the Formula 1 season, which gets underway in Melbourne on March 15, although Dennis is confident that the two-time world champion will be given the green light to take part.

"Alonso was unconscious after the crash," BBC Sport quotes the McLaren chief as saying. "He's got no injury. He should be fine to race in Australia and in normal circumstances he'll be racing. This is recovery time."

Kevin Magnussen has stepped in to partner Jenson Button in this week's final pre-season test in Barcelona.