Alonso has since undergone numerous tests and examinations to ensure he is fit to step back into the cockpit of his car, with a final medical assessment by the FIA due to be conducted on Thursday at the Sepang International Circuit.

Given the heat and high humidity in Malaysia the FIA will also be eager to satisfy itself Alonso will be able to cope with the conditions.

The Spaniard is adamant he is fine as he said: “I’ve been working hard on my fitness and I feel good and ready to go this weekend.

“The heat in Malaysia is always very tough for the drivers, but I’ve been focusing on this in my training and I’m definitely prepared for all of the weather conditions we can face in Sepang.”

Should Alonso return he faces an immediate uphill struggle given the lack of performance of McLaren, now reunited and powered again by Honda.

After stand-in Kevin Magnussen retired on the formation lap with a technical issue in Melbourne, Jenson Button went on to see the chequered flag at Albert Park, only to finish two laps down on race-winner Lewis Hamilton in 11th and last place.

Aware of the difficulties to come, Alonso added: “I watched the weekend in Australia very closely and I was in touch with the team from the moment they arrived.

“It’s clear we have a lot of work ahead of us, but Jenson’s result in Melbourne was encouraging from the point of view of reliability and data collection, which are extremely important.

“The weekend will still be tough, but I’m looking forward to getting into the car for the first time in a grand prix and getting back to racing.

“I’ve spent some time in the simulator back at the factory, and my focus will be on continuing the development of our package with my engineers, and working on our balance and race set-up.

“There’s a lot of potential in the car and we will keep pushing every race until we see results.

“Although we are a long way from the front, everyone in McLaren-Honda is working hard to develop the package and keep building momentum with each race.”