Lance Stroll to miss pre-season F1 testing after suffering bike accident in Spain
Lance Stroll will miss the start of pre-season F1 testing due to an injury he has suffered in a bike accident, Aston Martin have confirmed in a statement.
A statement added: “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.”
The 24-year-old has also released a positive update, expecting to recover quickly from his minor injuries with the season getting underway on March 5 in Bahrain.
READ MORE: Jenson Button voices ‘surprise’ at Lando Norris signing long-term McLaren contract
Stroll said: “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.”
The Canadian–Belgian drove for Williams and Racing Point before joining Aston Martin in 2021, placing 15th in the 2022 season.
(Image: Getty Images)
Testing is booked in to take place over three days in Bahrain from February 23 until February 25. In advance of the 23-race 2023 season.
It has not yet been confirmed if Aston Martin will put a reserve driver behind the wheel in the absence of Stroll, with Felipe Drugovich the most likely.
Stroll had been preparing for his seventh full F1 season as the team-mate of former world champion Fernando Alonso, having tasted three podium finishes including two in 2020.
READ NEXT: