Lance Stroll 'in good condition' for Canada comeback

Jun.9 (GMM)  Lance Stroll is expected to return to the cockpit of his Aston Martin this weekend for his home race in Canada.

The 26-year-old withdrew from the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona at the last minute due to a reported flare-up of injuries related to his 2023 cycling accident. He subsequently underwent surgery in Barcelona last week.

Aston Martin reserve driver Felipe Drugovich was put on alert for a potential call-up in Montreal, even though he is officially scheduled to compete at Le Mans the same weekend.

Drugovich is already at Le Mans, and Louis Deletraz has been rumored as a possible substitute should the Brazilian be required to race in Stroll’s place.

"I've read a lot of articles about it," Deletraz told France’s Auto Hebdo. "But on my side there haven't really been any discussions with Cadillac or Action Express (Racing).

"I imagine it's a possibility, but I'm involved in an LMP2 program that I'm very happy with, and it's very difficult to make the change now. I don't think I'll be in the Cadillac in Le Mans. It's complicated for everyone.

"When I'm involved in a project, I want to do things right. We prepared for this event with Action Express and the fairest thing is to race in this category."

Despite the backup plans, the latest behind-the-scenes updates from Aston Martin and the Stroll camp suggest that Lance is recovering well and is likely to participate in Montreal.

Should Drugovich also be unavailable, Stoffel Vandoorne would be next in line to replace Stroll. However, Vandoorne is also competing at Le Mans this weekend.

"We haven't really had any discussions with Aston Martin," the Belgian revealed. "I think Lance is in good condition and has very good doctors working with him. He'll do everything he can to be there for the race in Canada."]]>