The Lance Stroll Aston Martin missed testing after injuring his wrist while cycling in Spain; he had minor surgery and will be racing in the opening weekend; watch the Bahrain Grand Prix live on Sky Sports Main Event, with practice starting at 11am on Friday
By Amar Mehta
10:36 a.m., UK, Thursday 02 March 2023
Lance Stroll will race for Aston Martin in the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix this weekend despite doubts over his participation after an “unfortunate accident”.
Stroll missed pre-season testing in Bahrain after injuring his wrist in a cycling accident in Spain, which required “minor surgery”.
Felipe Drugovich replaced Stroll in testing and was called to replace him this weekend, but the Canadian has been cleared to take part.
“It’s really frustrating not to be in Bahrain for pre-season testing, and I’m disappointed to miss three days of racing,” he said.
“However, given my wrist injury, the team and I feel it is best to focus on recovery so I will be ready for this weekend and the long season ahead.
“It was an unfortunate accident – I fell off my bike when I had a punctured tire – but luckily the damage was insignificant and a small successful operation on my right wrist fixed the problem very quickly. Since then, I’ve been working hard with my team to making sure that I’m fully fit to compete this weekend.
Lawrence Stroll believes the changes being made behind the scenes are taking Aston Martin to ‘a whole new level’ and ultimately fighting for the championship in the future.
“I want to thank the F1 community for their support and privacy, as well as the team for helping with my recovery.
“Now I’m ready to put my head down and concentrate on this weekend’s race – something I’m really looking forward to.”
Both Drugovich and Stoffel Vandoorne will remain on site as Aston Martin reserve drivers this weekend.
keep talking Sky Sports NewsDavid Croft said: “Lance has been behind the sim at Silverstone at the Aston Martin factory, he has had a load test while he is on the sim, and he has been cleared by the team.
Aston Martin reserve driver Felipe Drugovich raised the first red flag of the 2023 F1 season, though apparently through no fault of the drivers.
“He has had minor surgery on the right wrist, we believe there is a minor fracture to the wrist. He has passed all the tests and will be in the car.
“They have two main drivers for this race and the rest of the season. Stoffel didn’t come for the test, he came straight from Cape Town. Felipe of course rode a few sessions in the test.
“It’s standard procedure that both of them will stay on track to aid their learning. In Felipe’s case, F2 champion, but he has never raced in Formula 1. This season completes his integration into Formula 1.”
“I don’t think there’s anything suspicious about them being here. The team wants all the bases covered, in case Lance can’t race. There’s a difference between him simping and then up the Streets.”
Formula 1 is back! Catch the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix live on Sky Sports F1 this weekend. The track action begins on Friday while Sunday’s race begins at 3:00 p.m. Get Sky Sports
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