20 February 2023 , 19:06
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Aston Martin have a decision to make about their pre-season testing plans after an injury to Lance Stroll while training.
The Canadian suffered "a minor accident" while cycling in Spain. His team confirmed that the Canadian would be forced to miss out on pre-season testing in Bahrain later this week, though the extent of his injuries are not currently public knowledge.
The team simply said he is "expecting a quick recovery and return to driving duties", and added: "His fitness to return to the cockpit will be assessed daily and the team will issue an update ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix. The team wishes Lance a speedy recovery and looks forward to his usual energy and commitment within the team."
And Stroll added: "I am determined to get back in the car and I am excited about the season ahead with the team. I am motivated to bounce back from this setback as quickly as possible."
Regardless, his absence from testing this week means a last-minute change of plan for the team. Fernando Alonso will be able to complete his part of the programme as planned, but there is a chance he may be asked to do more as a result of Stroll's unavailability.
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More time behind the wheel of his new car would be beneficial for the Spaniard, and Lando Norris proved last year that it is possible for one driver to complete all three days of running. But the Brit is much younger than Alonso and, although the 41-year-old still feels like he is half that age, there might be concerns that his body might struggle to cope with the physical demands.
F2 champion Felipe Drugovich is the most likely candidate if Aston Martin decide to replace Stroll for testing (Getty Images)Instead, Aston Martin may have to turn to alternative options. Stoffel Vandoorne is the most experienced of their reserve drivers and has two years of racing in F1 with McLaren – alongside Alonso – under his belt.
However, he is racing in Formula E at the Cape Town E-Prix and so is unavailable. That means Formula 2 champion Felipe Drugovich is the likely candidate to be called up of the team decides they need a stand-in to complete Stroll's programme.
Giving the Brazilian time behind the wheel might be prudent, given the team appears unsure as to whether Stroll will be fit for the Bahrain season-opener in less than two weeks' time. Drugovich will be better prepared for a potential F1 competitive debut if given time to get to grips with the new car in testing.
Aston Martin might be able to call upon Mick Schumacher through their relationship with engine suppliers Mercedes, but BILD reports that the German is not an option to fill in at testing. Mirror Sport has asked Aston Martin for an update on their testing plans.