Aston Martin confirms Lance Stroll is race-fit for 2023 Bahrain GP
Pre-season is always a hectic time for teams and drivers, but Lance Stroll has faced unprecedented difficulty ahead of the first round of 2023.
The Canadian driver suffered a bicycle accident whilst training for this year's campaign, forcing him to miss out on testing - a crucial time to adapt and learn about the AMR23.
Aston Martin has made more significant changes to its 2023 machine than most teams, taking risks to adapt a combination of philosophies to the AMR23.
Aside from his physical fitness - which will be a significant test in itself - there will be immense pressure to deliver in a car which, at least so far, seems to have great promise.
The Silverstone-based squad impressed much of the paddock during testing, so Stroll will be eager to contribute and help the team in its 2023 progression.
Felipe Drugovich - Aston Martin reserve driver - filled in for Stroll during the Bahrain tests, helping Fernando Alonso collect data and learn the characteristics of the AMR23.
However, Alonso has already explained the negative impact of Stroll's absence in testing - outlining how his experience with Aston will be invaluable in developing the 2023 car:
"It hurt a lot. I think we miss him - because some of my comments, my feelings with the car. We never know if it's just me in a new team and a new car.
"Maybe it's an Aston Martin thing, that Lance could spot it... I don't know if this is a legacy from the team or if it's just new into this car."
It goes without saying that, primarily, the aim for Aston Martin will be to maximise its points throughout the 2023 season.
With that said, establishing a strong baseline to build upon for the rest of the season will surely be a priority for the British squad.
Therefore, aside from his ability to deliver points on Sunday, Stroll can offer valuable feedback to help the AMR23 progress up climb the field.
Lance Stroll said the following about his recovery:
"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."