Lance Stroll will miss this week’s pre-season test in Bahrain after Aston Martin announced he was involved in a cycling accident while training.
The team confirmed that Stroll suffered a “minor accident” while training on his bicycle ahead of this week’s test, which begins on Thursday.
Missing testing threatens to severely compromise Stroll’s preparation for the 2023 season, as the three-day test in Bahrain is the only opportunity teams and drivers have to run their new cars ahead of the start of the championship. Practice for the opening race of the season will begin at the same circuit six days after testing concludes.
“I’ve had an unfortunate accident whilst training on my bike in preparation for the season,” Stroll confirmed. “I am determined to get back in the car and I am excited about the season ahead with the team. I am motivated to bounce back from this setback as quickly as possible.”
Aston Martin have not confirmed if Stroll will be replaced for the three-day test, or if Fernando Alonso will participate over all three days. The team is expected to issue an update on their plans on Tuesday.
Aston Martin retain reserve drivers Stoffel Vandoorne and junior driver Felipe Drugovich, last year’s Formula 2 champion, to call upon if needed to step for Stroll for the opening race. Vandoorne is the only one of the pair with prior F1 race experience but is due to compete in the Formula E round in South Africa this weekend.
In a statement, Aston Martin said that Stroll’s fitness will be regularly assessed, but the team expected him to recovery soon from his injuries.
“Lance is expecting a quick recovery and return to driving duties,” the team said. “His fitness to return to the cockpit will be assessed daily and the team will issue an update ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix.
“The team wishes Lance a speedy recovery and looks forward to his usual energy and commitment within the team.”
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