Formula 1

Aston Martin confirms Drugovich for F1 pre-season testing

Published

1 month ago

21/02/2023

Felipe Drugovich has been confirmed by Aston Martin to participate in the pre-season testing for Formula 1 in Bahrain.

This is due to Lance Stroll being unable to participate on the opening day after a biking accident in Spain. Although Stroll is expected to recover in time for the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix in March, he will miss out on testing.

Drugovich will take over on Thursday morning during the three-day event, sharing driving duties with Fernando Alonso, who will drive later in the afternoon.

The team has not yet announced their plans beyond the first day of testing. Felipe Drugovich, who won the FIA Formula 2 Championship last year, is currently a reserve driver for Aston Martin for the 2023 season.

He made his FP1 debut in Abu Dhabi and drove for the team at the post-season test. If Stroll is unable to drive at the opening race, Drugovich could be a strong contender to make his grand prix debut at the venue.

However, the team could also consider Stoffel Vandoorne, who also holds a reserve role with the team. Vandoorne was unavailable for testing as he is traveling to Cape Town to compete in the latest round of the Formula E Championship.

Last season, Nico Hulkenberg had to be fitted into the Aston Martin car for the opening race after Sebastian Vettel tested positive for Covid-19.

At present, it is uncertain whether Lance Stroll will be able to compete in the first race of the season. Aston Martin is monitoring his health daily, and Stroll has stated that his injuries are not severe and his focus is on starting the season.

If Stroll is unable to participate in the opening race, Felipe Drugovich is expected to once again step in as his replacement. It is worth noting that the first race of the season will take place at the Bahrain circuit, where the pre-season testing is also being held.