Lance Stroll will take part in the Bahrain Grand Prix following minor surgery on his wrist which he says “fixed the issue quickly”.
The Canadian driver missed the pre-season test at the Bahrain International Circuit last weekend, following a “minor accident” while cycling during a training camp in Barcelona.
He was replaced for the test by one of the team’s reserve drivers, Formula 2 Champion Felipe Drugovich. He, along with Stoffel Vandoorne, the team’s other reserve driver will both be available to jump into the car should Stroll not be able to race this weekend after testing the wrist in Free Practice.
Speaking on the F1 website, Stroll said: “It was frustrating not to be out in Bahrain for the pre-season test and I was disappointed to miss the three days of running. However, given the injury to my wrist, the team and I felt it was best to focus on recovery so that I would be ready for this weekend and the long season ahead.”
“It was an unfortunate accident – I fell from my bike when my tyre caught a hole in the ground – but thankfully the damage was not significant and a successful minor surgery on my right wrist fixed the problem very quickly.
“Since then, I’ve been working hard with my team to ensure that I am fully fit to compete this weekend.
“I would like to thank the F1 community for their support and privacy, as well as the team who have helped my recovery.
“Now I’m ready to get my head down and concentrate on racing this weekend – something I’m really looking forward to.”
The Bahrain Grand Prix weekend begins on Friday at 11:30am UK Time, with Free Practice One getting the season underway at the Bahrain International Circuit.