Aston Martin have confirmed Lance Stroll is fit and will return to action for the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix this weekend after suffering a wrist injury from a bicycle accident last week.
The 24-year-old Canadian Stroll missed pre-season testing in Bahrain as a result and was replaced by reserve driver Felipe Drugovich for the three-day event.
Stroll said he was frustrated not to participate in pre-season testing but is fully focused on the race this weekend: “It was frustrating not to be out in Bahrain for the pre-season test and I was disappointed to miss the three days of running. However, given the injury to my wrist, the team and I felt it was best to focus on recovery so that I would be ready for this weekend and the long season ahead.
“I would like to thank the F1 community for their support and privacy, as well as the team who have helped my recovery. Now I’m ready to get my head down and concentrate on racing this weekend – something I’m really looking forward to.”
Good to see you back, @lance_stroll. ????#BahrainGP pic.twitter.com/JR0eW4UkKw
— Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant F1 Team (@AstonMartinF1) March 2, 2023
Stroll finished 15th in the 2022 drivers’ championship and will be partnered by two-time world champion Fernando Alonso for the new season.
