BREAKING NEWS: Lance Stroll set to miss entirety of F1’s pre-season testing in Bahrain after bicycle crash while training in Spain: Canadian Aston Martin driver suffered ‘minor injuries’
Canadian Formula One driver Lance Stroll will miss the whole of preseason testing after a ‘minor accident’ on a bicycle in Spain.
In a statement, the Aston Martin Cognizant Formula One team confirmed the incident and it’s impact on testing.
‘Whilst pre-season training on a bicycle in Spain, Lance Stroll was involved in a minor accident and sustained injuries which will result in him sitting out the pre-season test in Bahrain,’ the team’s statement read.
‘Lance is however expecting a quick recovery and return to driving duties. 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.’
Aston Martin’s Canadian driver Lance Stroll will miss all of F1 pre-season testing in Bahrain
Stroll also released a statement through the team, saying, ‘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.’
It’s sure to be a massive setback for the Canadian – who will be sidelined during an important time for teams to develop their cars.
This comes at an unfortunate time – with testing set to begin this Wednesday at the Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir. It’s unclear if Stroll will be healthy in time for the first grand prix of the season – also held in Bahrain.
Testing proves to be a time where drivers can get a better understanding and handle of their machines – allowing them to relay information back to the teams to tweak their cars in their favor.
Stroll will miss out on that – potentially hurting his chances to improve from last season’s standings for both his driver and his constructor.
In the 2022 Formula One World Championship, Stroll finished No. 15 in the standings – with top-ten finishes in eight races and two retirements for 18 points.
His teammate – the since retired Sebastian Vettel finished No. 12 after missing the first two races of the season with COVID – but still managed ten top-ten finishes and 37 points. Stroll also finished behind his now-teammate Fernando Alonso – who only failed to score points in eight races and ended the season ninth in the standings.
As a constructor, Aston Martin finished seventh in the standings – tied on points, but behind Alfa Romeo.
Stroll will miss out on valuable time behind the wheel to improve his chances at a better finish
Aston Martin has not confirmed who might be stepping in to take Stroll’s place this week
While Stroll recovers, Aston Martin could choose to turn to either of its reserve drivers
Aston Martin has not yet announced who might be stepping in to take Stroll’s place during testing that starts on Wednesday and runs until Friday.
The team has two reserve drivers: 2022 Formula Two champion Felipe Drugovich of Brazil and former McLaren driver Stoffel Vandoorne of Belgium.
Vandoorne has not been in a Formula One car since he left McLaren as their No. 2 driver behind Alonso in 2018.
Last year, Drugovich took some laps in Aston’s 2021 car at Silverstone – as well as their 2022 machine during free practice in last year’s season-ender at Abu Dhabi.