Magnussen prepared to replace Alonso in Australia
Kevin Magnussen says he is prepared to deputise for Fernando Alonso at the Australian Grand Prix should the Spaniard be ruled out of the 2015 F1 season opener.
The Dane, who was dropped from the McLaren F1 line-up when it signed Alonso and retained Jenson Button, got his first laps in the Honda-powered MP4-30 after being called up to deputise for the sidelined Spaniard in pre-season testing.
The decision to give Magnussen a run in the car was justified as a contingency in case Alonso does not make the start of the Australian Grand Prix following his three night stay in hospital, though the team does expect him to be given the green light.
In the meantime, Magnussen remains on standby in a reserve role, but though he says he would be prepared to step in at short notice, the limited 39 laps he got in the MP4-30 would subsequently make it tough.
"It would be difficult because I have not had my team of engineers or mechanics to talk to," he said. "I have followed what was going on and kept up to date, but it is different when you have your own team. It would be difficult but if I have to, then I would be happy to do it."
