The loss of Alonso's wheel also revives memories of the accident last weekend at Britain's Brands Hatch circuit, in which Henry Surtees, the son of former F1 world champion John Surtees, was killed during a race after being struck by a wheel.

The freak accident occurred when driver Jack Clarke's car hit a tyre wall and a wheel came off, hitting Surtees on the head.

The European Grand Prix takes place Aug 23. Interestingly, the ban only applies to the Renault team, meaning that theoretically Alonso could drive for Ferrari, a team he has been linked with, as Massa's temporary replacement.