Lance Stroll will race in Bahrain this weekend with PINS in his wrist

Canadian Formula One star Lance Stroll has confirmed he will be on the grid for the season-opening race in Bahrain this weekend, but with spikes in his broken right wrist following surgery.

The Aston Martin driver missed the entirety of testing in Bahrain last week after falling off his bike during pre-season training, and there were concerns whether he would make it back in time for the first race of the year.

In Bahrain on Thursday, Stroll confirmed he would be in the car for the first practice tomorrow, telling reporters: “I had surgery on the right and the left is a bit banged up.”

‘Yes, they feel good. A big push in the last 12 days since my accident to get me here. It feels good. I was in the sim yesterday, the day before. I feel pretty strong.

Stroll’s determination to return in time for the start of the season will have been strengthened by the impressive performance of the Aston Martin in testing.

Lance Stroll has pins in his broken right wrist but will be ready to race in Bahrain this weekend.

Stroll (right) walks through the paddock with his father and Aston Martin team owner Lawrence.

Many pundits are tipping them to move above midfield in 2023 to give Mercedes a run for its money in third in the constructors’ championship.

When asked about the car’s positive signs, Stroll noted: ‘Yeah, it looks great. I think everyone is very excited. I’m excited to get back to driving. It was painful to watch the test from a sofa and not be in the car.

Asked if the car’s impressive test was part of his reason for coming back so fast, he added: “I want to have every opportunity to compete. If I feel like I’m fit enough to run, with a bit of discomfort, I’ll do it.

Stroll also has a ‘bashed’ left wrist following the cycling accident in Spain last month.

Stroll will partner Fernando Alonso (pictured) in 2023, after the Spaniard replaced Seb Vettel

We are professional athletes. In all sports we sometimes feel a little uncomfortable. If I felt like I wasn’t smart or there was a risk or my bones weren’t ready, I wouldn’t do it.

‘F1 is a long season, it’s 23 races, it’s not just about being here in Bahrain. But I feel confident, the doctors feel confident, so here I am.’

Stroll will partner Fernando Alonso for the first time this season, following Sebastian Vettel’s retirement at the end of 2022.

The first practice starts in Bahrain tomorrow morning, with qualifying on Saturday and the big first race of the season on Sunday.