Lance Stroll concerned in “minor accident” whereas biking in Spain forward of the 2023 F1 season; Aston Martin driver will miss pre-season testing, which begins in Bahrain on Thursday; reserve Stoffel Vandoorne and improvement driver Felipe Drugovich probably candidates to fill seat

Lance Stroll was concerned in a ‘minor’ biking accident in Spain

Aston Martin driver Lance Stroll will miss this week’s System 1 pre-season testing in Bahrain after struggling accidents in a “minor” biking accident in Spain.

Aston Martin didn’t affirm whether or not Stroll, who’s the son of crew proprietor Lawrence Stroll, might be match to race on the 2023 season opener, however mentioned he could be “assessed each day” forward of the March 3-5 Grand Prix, which can also be in Bahrain.

It stays to be seen who will substitute Stroll at testing, with Aston Martin reserve driver Stoffel Vandoorne scheduled to be competing in System E in Cape City, which might clear the trail for reigning F2 champion Felipe Drugovich, the crew’s improvement driver, to get an sudden alternative.

An Aston Martin assertion mentioned: “While pre-season coaching on a bicycle in Spain, Lance Stroll was concerned in a minor accident and sustained accidents which is able to end in him sitting out the pre-season check in Bahrain.

“Lance is nevertheless anticipating a fast restoration and return to driving duties. His health to return to the cockpit might be assessed each day and the crew will problem an replace forward of the Bahrain Grand Prix.

“The crew needs Lance a speedy restoration and appears ahead to his regular vitality and dedication inside the crew.”

Stroll, who has a brand new team-mate this season in two-time world champion Fernando Alonso, is about to start his seventh marketing campaign within the sport.

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Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll give their ideas on the launch of Aston Martin’s automobile for the 2023 season

“I’ve had an unlucky accident while coaching on my bike in preparation for the season,” the 24-year-old Canadian mentioned.

“I’m decided to get again within the automobile and I’m excited concerning the season forward with the crew. I’m motivated to bounce again from this setback as shortly as potential.”

Information of Stroll’s harm got here only a few hours after Aston Martin had introduced that Vandoorne and Drugovich would each even be obtainable to opponents McLaren for the primary 15 races of the season, ought to a state of affairs come up the place they have been wanted.

The settlement sees McLaren broaden their pool of reserve choices, with Mercedes’ Mick Schumacher already having been made obtainable to them in an analogous settlement.

Pre-season testing and all 23 races in System 1’s biggest-ever season are reside on Sky Sports activities F1.