Montreal’s Lance Stroll set to race at Canadian Grand Prix after injury setback

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Montreal’s Lance Stroll has been cleared to race in this weekend’s Canadian Grand Prix after missing the Spanish GP due to pain in his hand and wrist.

The Aston Martin driver had qualified in Spain but was withdrawn on medical advice the night before the June 1 race.

He later underwent surgery and completed test laps in an older F1 car at France’s Circuit Paul Ricard.

The pain was believed to be linked to injuries from a 2023 cycling crash.

“I am excited to get back behind the wheel with the team for my home Grand Prix this weekend,” Stroll said Wednesday in a statement posted to the Aston Martin team’s official account on the social media platform X.

“I was always going to fight hard to be ready to race in front of the Montreal crowd. I’m feeling good after my procedure and put some laps in at Paul Ricard this week to prepare. Thanks for all the support, see you guys this weekend.”

Aston Martin chief trackside officer Mike Krack said after the Spanish GP that having Stroll ready to race in Montreal was the team’s “Plan A.” Reserve drivers Felipe Drugovich and Valtteri Bottas were considered as possible fill-ins if Stroll wasn’t fit.

“Lance is feeling fit and healthy, and is excited to compete in front of his home crowd,” the team said in a statement.

The Canadian sits 12th in the standings heading into his home race at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.

Stroll, who has three third-place finishes in his F1 career, set a career high at the Canadian GP last year with a seventh-place result.

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