Formula One driver Fernando Alonso forgot 20 years of his life after car crash

Alonso will miss the season opening race in Melbourne, but he is expected to start in Malaysia Grand Prix

BARCELONA: Team McLaren’s Formula One driver Fernando Alonso apparently suffered short-term memory loss after he got a concussion as he crashed at the Circuit de Catalunya on February 22, reported Spanish daily El Pais.

Alonso, who was driving at 150 miles per hour in pre-season testing when he crashed, woke up in the hospital believing it was 1995. Such was the impact of the crash that he even forgot his debut in 2001 with Minardi.

When doctors asked him if he remembered who he was, and what his vocation was, Alonso said:

“I’m Fernando, I race go-karts and I want to be a Formula One driver.”

While he spent only three nights in the hospital, doctors have ruled him out of the season-opening race in Melbourne.

However, he is expected to return behind the wheel at the Malaysian Grand Prix on March 29.

Following medical advice, Fernando will not be competing in the Australian GP. Full statement here: http://t.co/3CtLnbh7dT

— McLaren (@McLarenF1) March 3, 2015

He remembered himself as a 13-year old kart racer, attending school in his hometown Oviedo.

Alonso released a video after he was discharged in which he thanked his fans and said that he was “completely fine” and raring to get back in the car.

It will be tough not to be in Australia, but I understand the recommendations. A second impact in less than 21 days "NO"#countdownMalaysia

— Fernando Alonso (@alo_oficial) March 3, 2015