Manama, Apr. 1 (BNA): McLaren's Fernando Alonso will be not be racing in the Bahrain Grand Prix after suffering "rib fractures" and a partially collapsed lung in his 180mph crash during the F 1 season opener in Australia, FIA announced.

Medics took the decision after conducting scans on the Spaniard.

The two-time world champion will be replaced by McLaren reserve driver Stoffel Vandoorne, who will be making his F1 debut in Bahrain.

Fernando Alonso said there was a risk the fracture could affect the lung, adding that he respected the medics’ decision.

The 34-year-old McLaren driver revealed he suffered a pneumothorax - a partially collapsed lung - as a result of the accident in Melbourne but this had now healed.