Will Power has been given the green light to return to the wheel of an IndyCar after being forced to sit out the season opener on medical grounds.
The 2014 IndyCar Series champion was diagnosed with a concussion at St Petersburg following a crash in Friday practice.
Power had scored pole position on Saturday before symptoms of nausea, vertigo, neck stiffness and soreness prompted an examination from IndyCar doctors that led to the concussion verdict.
A thorough investigation has since revealed that Power had suffered from muscle tension, which contributed to the headaches and sickness caused by an inner-ear infection the Australian was fighting.
After missing this week’s test at Barber Motorsports Park, Power is due to make a return on March 22 at the same venue.
“I’m feeling better,” Power said.
“Obviously, it’s great to be cleared to be back in the car again.
“That’s the best medicine you can have. It was tough watching the race with someone else driving your car. That’s just the way it went. We’ve got to move forward.”
Doctors have confirmed that Power will continue with medication for his inner-ear infection alongside a course of medicine to help relax his neck muscles.
“We were aware of his ear infection, which had been adequately treated and was much improved, but we also found that he had pretty marked cervical muscle tension,” said Dr Stephen Olvey.
“This can cause a pretty debilitating type of headache.
“It’s usually bi-frontal, goes down the back of your neck, and you get into a vicious cycle with this unless you break it.
“So he is on some medication to relax the muscles of his neck and get the cycle broken.”
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