Lance Stroll recovers from surgery in time to race in Formula 1 opener in Bahrain
Aston Martin driver Lance Stroll
Aston Martin driver Lance Stroll has won a race against time after undergoing surgery on his wrist and will be available to race in the opening Grand Prix of the Formula 1 season.
Stroll's participation had been in doubt after he missed last week's test with a wrist injury sustained during a road cycling accident.
But the 24-year-old Canadian's Aston Martin team have confirmed he is fit to start the new campaign after "minor surgery".
"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," said Stroll, the son of Aston Martin's fashion billionaire owner Lawrence Stroll.
"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 Formula One 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."
Stroll will team up with Fernando Alonso this season following the double world champion's transfer from Alpine.
Recommended Offers
£30 Matched Free Bet if your first Acca loses + 100 Free Spins
New UK customers only. Min Stake: £5. Maximum Free Bet: £30. First bet on a Football, Horse Racing, Tennis, Cricket or Basketball multiple with 3+ selections. Overall odds: 3.00 (2/1) or higher. Free Bets are available upon settlement of the qualifying bet. 100 Free Spins on More Unusual Suspects (£0.10 per spin) credited on settlement of qualifying Acca bet. No wagering requirements on free spin winnings. Debit Card deposit only (exclusions apply). This offer is valid 7 days after the new account is registered.
18+ BeGambleAware.org. Full T&Cs apply #ad
Get up to £50 Welcome Bonus
New customers only. Opt-in required. 100% Match Bonus up to £50 on 1st deposit of £10+. 50x wagering & game weighting applies. Debit Card deposits only (exclusions apply). This offer is valid for 7 days from your new account being registered.
18+ BeGambleAware.org. Full T&Cs apply #ad
Get £10 in Free Bets
New customers only. This offer is valid for 7 days from your new account being registered. Min Deposit: £10. Free Bet awarded: £10. 1 x £10 must be wagered at odds of 1.75+ to unlock Free Bet. Debit Card deposits only (exclusions apply). Free bet will expire 7 days after the 1st deposit.
18+ BeGambleAware.org. Full T&Cs apply #ad