F1, Stroll hurts himself falling off his bike: skips tests in Bahrain on Aston Martin

Off the saddle. Lance Stroll misses the three days of pre-season testing in Bahrain (February 23-25). The 24-year-old Canadian rider from Aston Martin, which is owned by millionaire dad, Lawrence, suffered a bike injury while training in Spain. Nothing serious, it seems, but he must have done enough damage to advise him and his team not to take the wheel of the new AMR23. Who, however, will take his new teammate, Fernando Alonso.

The official press release published by his team reads: “During a pre-season training on a bicycle in Spain, Lance Stroll was involved in a minor accident and suffered injuries which will lead him to not participate in the pre-season tests in Bahrain. However, Lance expects a quick recovery and a return to driving soon. His suitability to return to the wheel of the AMR23 will be assessed day by day. The team will update on the situation ahead of the Bahrain GP, ​​wish Lance a speedy recovery and expect his usual energy and commitment from him within the team.”

Lance himself was keen to give a message: “I had an unfortunate accident while training on my bike to prepare for the season. I am determined to get back in the car and am excited about the season ahead of me with the team. I am motivated to recover from this inconvenience as soon as possible.”

A real problem, given the short sessions, of only three days, to test the machines. Even if those of this year will be only an evolution of the previous ones. While Alonso, with his 41 years, is ready and seems fit, the Canadian could be replaced at the tests by one of the reserve drivers, namely the Belgian Stoffel Vandoorne, 30, or by the 22-year-old Brazilian Felipe Drugovich, F2 champion l ‘Last year. Both also replace McLaren where the owners are the 23-year-old Briton, Lando Norris, and the new entry Oscar Piastri, 21, an Australian.