Aston Martin has announced that Lance Stroll will not participate in pre-season testing this week due to injuries sustained in a cycling accident.
Testing ahead of the 2023 Formula 1 season will get underway on Thursday and will run through to Saturday at the Bahrain International Circuit.
However, Stroll will not be behind the wheel of the AMR23 car after he was involved in a “minor” incident in Spain.
Aston Martin says that Stroll is expecting to make a quick recovery and return to driving duties soon.
However, it could not confirm his place for the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix, which takes place one week after pre-season testing.
‘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 said in a statement.
‘The team wishes Lance a speedy recovery and looks forward to his usual energy and commitment within the team.’
Should Stroll be unable to return in time for the opening race of the year then Aston Martin has a couple of options available.
It has signed reigning Formula 2 champion Felipe Drugovich to its all-new academy, and he will act as reserve driver, with the Brazilian set to be present in the garage throughout the year.
However, it may also call on the duties of Stoffel Vandoorne, who has joined forces with the Silverstone-based team in conjunction with his full-time Formula E drive with DS Penske.
Vandoorne will be unable to drive the car at testing however, due to the fifth round of the Formula E season taking place in South Africa this weekend.
Stroll added: “I’ve had an unfortunate accident whilst training on my bike in preparation for the season. 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.”
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