Stroll: 'I feel like I can definitely drive, no problem'

©AstonMartin

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Lance Stroll alleviated doubts about the strength of his right wrist and his ability to drive in Friday's opening day of running in Bahrain.

The Aston Martin driver was back behind the wheel after missing pre-season testing last week due to a wrist injury sustained in a cycling crash while training.

Stroll underwent a minor surgery procedure last week to help his recovery and spent several hours in Aston's simulator at Silverstone to test his strength. Despite a lack of comfort, the 24-year-old was given the go-ahead to race in Bahrain.

Stroll acquitted himself well, all things considered. However, at one point in FP2 he was asked by his team to tweak his line through a turn, but responded by saying that he couldn't due to his hands.

Read also: Alonso hails Aston pace as 'another step in the right direction'

That triggered speculation that he was being hampered by his discomfort, which in turn raised questions about his ability to run a race distance on Sunday.

In right-hand slow corners, Stroll opted to relax his right wrist and push his steering will with the force of his left hand. The Canadian said the method avoided putting too much strain on his injured hand.

"I’m feeling alright," he said. "A little stiff, but it was overall OK in the car today.

"I was just protecting it, feels a little more comfortable. I feel like I can definitely drive, no problem."

Stroll concluded FP2 with the sixth fastest lap, just over a half a second behind his pace setting teammate, Fernando Alonso. But overall, the Canadian was happy with his day.

"We lost a little bit of time in FP1 with an ignition issue, but once that was fixed we ran well and collected some important data to work through tonight," he said.

"It is clear that the team have made some really good progress over the winter break; the car was feeling great to drive and I am excited to get back behind the wheel tomorrow.

"It’s looking amazing, and it’s feeling great in the car too, so really top job from everyone."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.