Lance Stroll will race in Bahrain this weekend with PINS in his wrist
Lance Stroll will race in Bahrain this weekend with PINS in his wrist after undergoing surgery in the wake of pre-season cycling injury… as Canadian gets set to return in time for F1 season opener after missing testing
- Lance Stroll fell off his bicycle while cycling in Spain during the off-season
- It was touch and go whether he’d be fit to race this week – he has now confirmed
- Click here for all your latest international sports news from DailyMail.com
Canadian Formula One star Lance Stroll has confirmed he will be on the grid for the season-opening race in Bahrain this weekend – but with pins in his broken right wrist following surgery.
The Aston Martin driver missed the whole of testing in Bahrain last week after falling off his bicycle during pre-season training, and there was concern over whether he would be back in time for the first race of the year.
In Bahrain on Thursday, Stroll confirmed he would be in the car for first practice tomorrow, telling reporters: ‘I got surgery on the right one and the left one is just a bit banged up.
‘Yeah, they’re feeling good. A big push over the last 12 days since my accident to get me here. They’re feeling good. I was in the sim yesterday, the day before. Feeling pretty strong.’
Stroll’s determination to return in time for the start of the season will have been made stronger with the impressive showing that the Aston Martin gave in testing.
Lance Stroll has pins in his broken right wrist but he will be fit to race in Bahrain this weekend
Stroll (right) walks through the paddock with his dad and Aston Martin team owner Lawrence
Many pundits are tipping them to climb above the midfield in 2023 to give Mercedes a run for their money in third place in the constructors’ championship.
When asked about the car’s positive signs, Stroll noted: ‘Yeah, it looks great. I think everyone’s really excited. I’m excited to get back driving. It was painful to watch the test from a couch and not be in the car.’
When asked if the car’s impressive test was part of his reason for returning so quickly, he added: ‘I want to have every chance to go racing. If I feel like I’m fit enough to race, with a bit of discomfort, I’m going to do it.
Stroll also has a ‘banged up’ left wrist following the cycling accident in Spain last month
Stroll will partner Fernando Alonso (pictured) in 2023, after the Spaniard replaced Seb Vettel
‘We’re professional athletes. In every sport we’re sometimes in a bit of discomfort. If I felt it was not smart or there was a risk or I felt my bones were not ready, I wouldn’t do it.
‘F1 is a long season, it’s 23 races, it’s not all about being here in Bahrain. But I feel confident, doctors feel confident, so here I am.’
Stroll will be partnered with Fernando Alonso for the first time this season, following the retirement of Sebastian Vettel at the end of 2022.
First practice gets underway in Bahrain tomorrow morning, with qualifying on Saturday and the big first race of the season on Sunday.
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