Drugovich on pole to replace Stroll in first race

Feb.23 (GMM) Reigning Formula 2 champion Felipe Drugovich is in pole position to replace Lance Stroll in next weekend’s Bahrain season opener.

Stroll, the son of Aston Martin team owner Lawrence Stroll, has been sidelined for the start of pre-season testing this week by a bicycle accident.

The team, and 24-year-old Stroll, have not disclosed the details of the injury. But Drugovich, a new Aston Martin reserve, will be on duty in Stroll’s place on the opening day of proceedings in Bahrain on Thursday.

The other Aston Martin reserve is former McLaren racer Stoffel Vandoorne – but he is unavailable for Bahrain testing due to his Formula E duties in Cape Town this weekend.

“We discussed the situation, but I knew it and the team knew it – I would not be able to do the testing in Bahrain unfortunately,” Vandoorne told the Belgian broadcaster RTBF.

However, the 30-year-old Belgian will be in Bahrain for the start of the 2023 race season.

“It’s quite a difficult scenario for me,” Vandoorne admits. “If Lance is not available, I wouldn’t be surprised if Felipe did the race.

“It’s a little frustrating for me, but on the other hand I understand it. He will have done all the testing. He will have had the best preparation,” he added.

The bright side is that an agreement between Mercedes-powered Aston Martin and McLaren means that Vandoorne will also be on standby for his former team this year.

“It’s not something new or different,” Vandoorne insists. “There is a partnership between Aston Martin and McLaren. But in terms of work, I won’t specifically do anything different for them.

“I’m there in case they need me at the races where I am present. I’ll be in Bahrain for the start of the championship and then in Jeddah and Melbourne.

“There’s also my reserve role in WEC with Peugeot,” he added. “I hope to have the opportunity to race and also be at the start at Le Mans again.”

Steve Cole

Share
Published by
Steve Cole

Recent Posts

Hulkenberg still a 'silly season' player – Schumacher

Jun.10 (GMM)  Nico Hulkenberg could find himself with a starring role in a future round…

4 months ago

F2 driver says new fans don't understand racing

Jun.9 (GMM) Many new fans of top-level single seater racing do not understand "how motorsport…

4 months ago

Newey attracting talent to Aston Martin – de la Rosa

Jun.9 (GMM) The 'Adrian Newey effect' is already happening at Aston Martin, according to team…

4 months ago

Stroll in 'good condition' for Canadian GP

Jun.9 (GMM) Lance Stroll looks set to return to the wheel of his Aston Martin…

4 months ago

Hamilton will 'maybe not' win eighth title

Jun.9 (GMM) Lewis Hamilton's hopes of an eighth world championship are slipping away. That's the…

4 months ago

Three F1 stars predict Piastri title in '25

Jun.9 (GMM) Three former Formula 1 drivers agree that Oscar Piastri has become the clear…

4 months ago