The McLaren driver was ruled out of the Bahrain GP two weeks ago following his huge crash during the season-opening race in Australia.

The FIA's medical team deemed the Spaniard had not yet recovered fully from the lung and rib injuries suffered in the accident.

McLaren boss Ron Dennis later questioned the FIA's refusal to consider a new CT scan that he hoped would clear Alonso to drive in the race.

Alonso will undergo further tests on Thursday, and while he says he has been preparing for the race as normal, he admits his participation in the event is not a given.

"It was disappointing to be told I couldn't race in Bahrain, but I fully respected the decision of the FIA medical team," said Alonso in a team preview on Tuesday.

"While I hope I'll be back in the cockpit on Friday, until I get the all-clear from the doctors to race – whenever that may be – we cannot assume anything, but I'm continuing to prepare for the race weekend as normal."

Vandoorne on stand-by again

Alonso was replaced by Stoffel Vandoorne in the race, the Belgian scoring the first point for the team this season with a 10th-place finish.

The GP2 champion will be again on stand-by this weekend.

"Fernando has been recuperating at home and training as usual, and we, like him, hope to see him back in the car," said McLaren's Eric Boullier.

"We'll accept the outcome – whatever that may be – and plan accordingly."

Check out our Inside GP video preview…