Lance Stroll has played down injury concerns after practice at the Bahrain Grand Prix.
After passing the FIA medical checks on Thursday, the Canadian returned to the track on Friday, just 12 days after undergoing minor wrist surgery following a bike accident in training.
Though Stroll managed in FP1, he appeared to struggle towards the end of FP2, admitting over the radio he couldn’t take a tighter line through Turn 1 due to limitations with his hand.
Then, after the session, Lance was seen being helped out of his Aston Martin cockpit, triggering questions over whether he can complete the weekend.
Des grosses difficultés pour Lance Stroll à s’extraire de sa voiture après la fin de la FP2 ?#F1 #BahrainGP ?? pic.twitter.com/veKX7HGxjN
— Off Track (@OffTrack_FR) March 3, 2023
“I’m feeling alright,” he insisted. “A little stiff, but it was overall OK in the car today.
“I was just protecting it [the wrist in FP2], it feels a little more comfortable. I feel like I can definitely drive, no problem.”
Despite missing the pre-season test, Stroll was relatively competitive in sixth fastest in Practice 2, half a second behind teammate and pacesetter Fernando Alonso.
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And seeing the Spaniard in P1 was particularly pleasing for the 24-year-old.
“We lost a little bit of time in FP1 with an ignition issue, but once that was fixed we ran well and collected some important data to work through tonight,” Lance said, summarising his Friday.
“It is clear that the team have made some really good progress over the winter break; the car was feeling great to drive and I am excited to get back behind the wheel tomorrow.
“It’s looking amazing, and it’s feeling great in the car too, so really top job from everyone.”