“As a result, he will sit out this week’s final winter test, at which he was due to share driving duties with Jenson Button. Kevin Magnussen, McLaren-Honda’s test and reserve driver, will replace him.
“Jenson will be testing the McLaren-Honda car tomorrow (Feb 26), and the team will confirm the full day-to-day running order in due course.”
Alonso’s absence is another set-back for the Woking-based team – with pre-season testing of their new car and their renewed partnership with Honda, being restricted due to different technical hitches.
Magnussen raced for the team last season before it was decided the Dane would be the man to make way for the returning Alonso, who will be hoping the car can be more competitive than in recent years.