Fernando Alonso thought it was 1995 after crash, told doctors: 'I'm Fernando, I drive go karts, I want to be a Formula 1 driver'

Formula One driver Fernando Alonso after leaving Cataluna Hospital. Photo / Getty Images

Former F1 world champion Fernando Alonso was so badly concussed in his pre-season crash last month that when he regained consciousness he had forgotten the past 20 years of his life, it has been reported.

Alonso, who races for McLaren-Honda, crashed at 150mph on February 22 during pre-season testing and was rushed to hospital where he spent three days under observation.

Asked by doctors who he was, what sort of work he was in and what he wanted to be in the future, he replied: "I'm Fernando, I drive go karts and I want to be a Formula 1 driver," it is claimed.

Two days ago McLaren-Honda stated doctors had found the 33-year-old to be "asymptomatic", with "no evidence whatsoever of any injury" and "entirely healthy from neurological and cardiac perspectives".

However, worrying reports in Spain's El Pais newspaper suggest his concussion was so severe when doctors asked him questions he thought it was 1995 and aged 13.

Although he was technically given a clean bill of health after sustaining concussion in the heavy crash, the fear of "second-impact syndrome" forced him out of the start of the racing season.

The term refers to a second concussion occurring when the effects of the first are still subsiding, potentially resulting in severe brain injuries, or even death.

Although the timespan between the accident and Alonso returning to the car for first practice in Melbourne on March 13 would appear to be sufficient, he is not prepared to take any risks.

Via his Twitter account, he said: "It will be tough not to be in Australia, but I understand the recommendations. A second impact in less than 21 days 'NO' #countdownMalaysia."

For the Albert Park event his seat will be occupied by Kevin Magnussen, demoted to reserve driver following the Spaniard's arrival after a full season with the team in 2014.

A thrilled Magnussen, who will partner Jenson Button in Melbourne, tweeted: "Shame about the circumstances but still I'm so excited to be racing in Melbourne. Can't wait!!"

Alonso rejoined McLaren this season after a disappointing fifth and final campaign with Ferrari. He won back-to-back world titles with Renault in 2005 and 2006 before spending one season at McLaren in 2007.

Alonso has 32 career grand prix victories, the last of which came at Montmelo in 2013.

- Daily Mail