Formula 1 News: Lewis Hamilton Wants Fernando Alonso Return

Lewis Hamilton has welcomed Fernando Alonso back to the grid amid the likelihood he’ll compete at the Malaysian Grand Prix this weekend.

Alonso missed the opening race of the season in Australia, as he was still recovering from a concussion suffered in winter testing in Barcelona.

However, provided he passes a final medical assessment ahead of this weekend’s event at the Sepang International Circuit, he will once again race for McLaren.

BBC claim it is “highly unlikely” Alonso will fail the final checks, which will be conducted on Thursday by a medical delegate of the FIA—Formula 1’s governing body—as well as the chief medical officer of the Sepang circuit.

World champion Hamilton expects to race against his former teammate on Sunday and is delighted Alonso is fit and ready, although he stressed the importance of maintaining safety in the sport.

“It’s good that he’s fit and able to come back,” Hamilton told Sky Sports News HQ. “He’s a two-time champion, and we need to have the best drivers here.

“We never want to have any drivers not racing, especially due to health issues or something caused by F1.

“Safety is key, and our primary goal is to make sure all the drivers are kept safe.”

If, as expected, Alonso takes to the grid on Sunday, his MP4-30 will be fitted with a special sensor, reports The Guardian.

The exact cause of the Spaniard’s crash is still unknown, and the sensor will help McLaren technicians pinpoint Alonso’s complaint of “heavy” steering moments before hitting a wall at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.

Meanwhile, the former Ferrari man appears eager to get back in the cockpit at a track where he has enjoyed wins with three separate teams in 2005, 2007 and 2012.

"

Malasia 2005 Renault Malasia 2007 McLaren Malasia 2012 Ferrari 3 victorias en 3 equipos. #MalasiaYalo 😄😄😄 pic.twitter.com/mnTgVCCy5k

— Fernando Alonso (@alo_oficial) March 23, 2015"

Kevin Magnussen will make way for Alonso’s return, provided he is passed as fit to drive, and the Spaniard will partner Jenson Button for the Surrey-based outfit.