Stroll's Barcelona test cut short to just four laps

Lance Stroll managed only four laps in Aston Martin's official Barcelona shakedown test, leaving him with significantly less pre-season running than teammate Fernando Alonso. Former team strategist Bernie Collins believes the Canadian driver will feel "hard done by" with the minimal track time, though the team is expected to balance running in upcoming Bahrain tests.

Why it matters:

Pre-season testing is a critical period for drivers to adapt to new cars and provide feedback. Significantly uneven running between teammates can create an early-season disadvantage, affecting driver confidence and the team's data-gathering process. For Stroll, starting a crucial season with minimal seat time puts immediate pressure on his Bahrain performance.

The details:

• Aston Martin arrived late to the five-day Barcelona test, only appearing on the fourth day of running.
• Stroll was first in the AMR26 but completed just a four-lap shakedown before a precautionary stop ended his running with 16 minutes left in the day.
• Fernando Alonso then took over for the entire final day, completing 61 laps in the new car designed by Adrian Newey.
• Bernie Collins noted on Sky F1 that while Stroll would feel frustrated, the assignment of days was likely a "luck of the draw" and comparable to the unpredictability of a wet test day.
• Collins emphasized the team would likely aim to "even out those laps" during the remaining pre-season tests in Bahrain if possible.

What's next:

All eyes will be on how Aston Martin manages driver running during the two three-day tests in Bahrain. The team is expected to prioritize equalizing Stroll's seat time to ensure both drivers begin the season on a level footing. With the first race approaching, maximizing track time for both drivers becomes paramount for refining the AMR26's performance and reliability.

summary: Lance Stroll completed only four laps in Aston Martin's Barcelona shakedown test, far fewer than teammate Fernando Alonso's 61 laps. Former strategist Bernie Collins says Stroll will feel "hard done by," but expects the team to balance running in upcoming Bahrain tests to ensure both drivers are prepared for the season opener.

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