F1's Lance Stroll to race in Bahrain Grand Prix after breaking wrists

MANAMA, Bahrain — Aston Martin driver Lance Stroll will compete in the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix after breaking both wrists and missing last week's preseason testing at the circuit.

The Canadian told reporters he had screws inserted in his right wrist after minor surgery about 11 days ago as a result of falling off his bike while training in Spain.

"It was an unfortunate accident, I fell from my bike when my tire caught a hole in the ground, but thankfully the damage was not significant and a successful minor surgery on my right wrist fixed the problem very quickly," he said. "Since then, I've been working hard with my team to ensure that I am fully fit to compete this weekend."

The left wrist was also "a bit banged up" but he had been cleared by doctors.

"It hurts a bit but it feels good, it feels solid and nothing I haven’t had before," Stroll said, adding that he had been in the team simulator riding over bumps and steering without problems on Wednesday.

"Professional athletes in every sport are sometimes in a bit of discomfort, and if I felt like it was not smart, or it was a risk of injuring myself more, if I felt like my bones weren’t ready, I wouldn’t do it," he added.