Fernando Alonso got only a partial green light on Thursday to return to action in Shanghai.
After a long wait for news following his meeting with FIA doctors, it was announced the Spaniard can test his recovery from chest injuries in Friday practice.
The McLaren-Honda will then be examined again after the first session to "determine his further eligibility to take part in the remainder of the event", the FIA declared.
In a complex statement, it was explained Alonso is undergoing a process of "reintegration" according to the regulations, meaning he is only "provisionally fit" for now.
Alonso earlier told Spanish reporters that he wanted the chance to prove his fitness in Friday practice.
"It is difficult to compare F1 with another sport because of the sitting position and the G-forces, but I have been in the gym and on the treadmill. I hope to be 100 per cent when I get in the car," he said.
"I think it would be normal to let me do the first practice and then do a double-check to see if I have pain or if the rib is completely healed," Alonso added.