Aston Martin explain Fernando Alonso's Hungarian GP practice absence

Fernando Alonso sat out of the opening practice session at the Hungarian Grand Prix due to a muscle injury in his back. 

The two-time F1 world champion has been nursing a problem with his back since last weekend's Belgian Grand Prix, Aston Martin said. 

Alonso has subsequently decided to skip FP1 at the Hungaroring while he continues treatment for the issue on Friday morning. He returned for FP2.

Aston Martin's reserve driver Felipe Drugovich replaced Alonso for FP1 and drive alongside Lance Stroll in the first hour-long practice session. 

"In the days following the Belgian Grand Prix, Fernando Alonso has been managing a muscular injury in his back," an Aston Martin team statement saud. 

"As he continues with treatment this morning, he has chosen to sit out of FP1.

"Felipe Drugovich will drive in FP1 alongside Lance Stroll." 

Fernando Alonso returned in Hungary

Alonso returned to his car for FP2 on Friday.

Aston Martin confirmed: "He chose to sit out the opening practice session to limit his time in the car as he manages a muscular injury in his back.

"Having undergone further treatment this morning and medically cleared by the FIA, Fernando will be back in the AMR25 alongside Lance Stroll.

"Felipe Drugovich delivered a busy FP1 programme with Lance earlier today, collecting important data as the team continues to evaluate recent car updates."

Aston Martin chief trackside officer Mike Krack told media including Crash.net: “Fernando developed this muscular problem after Spa.

“With the intensity of our calendar, there is never enough recovery time, even for sleep, because you have to travel.

“That is one of the issues. We elected to just increase the recovery time and drop out of FP1 which is normally the least important session.”

Asked if a few hours will make the difference in Alonso’s recovery bid, Krack replied: “I don't think it's the hours, it's more the lower amount of laps.

“We have obviously made some modifications to his seating position. We have checked some stuff, how to make it more comfortable for him. We are quite confident he will be fine.”