The news will be a disappointment for Felipe Drugovich fans, but it's a positive sign for Aston Martin: Lance stroll, injured during a accident by bike during the winter break, will be on track regularly for the Bahrain Grand Prix.
It didn't seem safe, so much so that rumors in the paddock spoke of an official debut for the twenty-two year old Brazilian. The team has in fact kept the Stroll matter under strict secrecy, but the outcome is decidedly positive for the latter. This is the press release from the team based at Silverstone:
“Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant Formula One Team is delighted to confirm that Lance Stroll will participate in this weekend's Bahrain Grand Prix.
Lance Stroll said: 'It was frustrating not being able to go to pre-season testing and I was sad. Given my wrist injury, we decided with the team that it would be better to focus on my recovery for the whole season. It was an unfortunate accident, I fell off the bike when the tire hit a hole in the tarmac, but luckily there was no major damage and a minor surgery on my right wrist fixed the problem quickly. Since then I have worked hard to recover and participate this weekend. I am grateful to the entire Formula 1 community for their support and respect for privacy, as well as the team for their help. I can't wait to compete this weekend.'
Both Felipe Drugovich and Stoffel Vandoorne will remain on track as reserve drivers this weekend.".
A rapid return is therefore expected for the Canadian, at the start of his seventh season in Formula 1, and therefore it seems that Aston Martin will be able to count not only on the evergreen Fernando Alonso, but also on its other official driver, Lance Stroll, who will finally be able to test the AMR23 on the track.
