Electric Cars

An unexpected turn of events has unfolded for Aston Martin as Lance Stroll will not participate in the upcoming Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix due to health concerns. The driver, who has been a key contributor to his team's success this season, encountered discomfort in his hand and wrist over recent weeks. This issue stems from an earlier medical situation that arose in 2023 following an accident prior to pre-season testing. At that time, Stroll faced significant challenges, including mobility issues with both hands and a broken toe, necessitating surgical intervention.

As part of ongoing efforts to address lingering complications, Stroll is set to undergo another procedure aimed at resolving these persistent problems. The exact timing of the operation and the anticipated recovery duration remain undisclosed by Aston Martin. With the next race scheduled for Canada—Stroll's home event—the team faces uncertainty regarding their driver’s availability. In such scenarios, potential replacements like Felipe Drugovich or Stoffel Vandoorne could step in, though logistical constraints limit immediate substitutions without prior participation in weekend sessions.

Beyond physical limitations, procedural oversights during qualifying added complexity to Stroll's situation. Reports indicate he bypassed mandatory post-qualification weighing protocols, spending additional minutes within the team garage instead. This anomaly raises questions about whether initial delays were linked to the pain he reportedly experienced immediately after driving. As Saturday evening progressed, Aston Martin confirmed the reasons behind Stroll's absence, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing athlete well-being and ensuring long-term competitive readiness.

This past weekend marked the inaugural event of Calvi, Corsica, as a host for the Trial2 World Championship's fourth round of the 2025 season. Competing against challenging new terrain, Miquel Gelabert showcased remarkable resilience and skill on Saturday. Through consistent improvement throughout the day, he secured crucial points in his quest to reach the top of the Trial2 World Championship standings. Riding for Honda Montesa, Gelabert clinched an impressive third place, reinforcing his position on the podium.

The intermediate class saw fierce competition from the very beginning, with scores among the leading contenders remaining tightly contested. In the initial race, Gelabert displayed his usual prowess, achieving eight clean runs. However, early errors hindered his progress, resulting in a fifth-place finish but earning him 11 valuable championship points. The second race witnessed a stellar performance by the Honda Montesa rider, who incurred only three penalty points, ultimately claiming victory in that segment. His combined efforts led to a third-place overall finish, amassing a total of 31 points for the day.

Gelabert’s achievements bolstered his standing in the championship rankings, securing third place with 193 points. As part of Honda’s electric project, he is set to compete again on Sunday, aiming for a potential double victory. The competition will commence at 10:00 a.m. local time with the first rider taking off.

Miquel Gelabert reflected on his journey through the races, acknowledging the challenges faced in the morning session. Despite starting poorly, he managed to claw back positions significantly, turning what could have been a setback into a triumph. He emphasized the importance of consistency in this class, stating that minimizing point concessions was key to salvaging the day. For the second race, Gelabert approached it with calm determination, drawing lessons from earlier mistakes to deliver a near-flawless performance.

Carles Barneda, supporting Gelabert, noted the rider's initial nervousness in the first race, which resulted in a few errors. Nevertheless, Gelabert demonstrated his ability to recover, finishing fifth. The team remains focused on consistently placing within the top three. Barneda highlighted Gelabert’s improved composure in the second race, which translated into a decisive win. With tomorrow's races in sight, the team aims to refine their approach, addressing today’s shortcomings to ensure they remain competitive and strive for victories in both races.

As the sun rises over Calvi, all eyes are on Miquel Gelabert as he prepares to take on another day of intense competition. With a strong foundation laid down from Saturday’s performances, the rider and his team are optimistic about pushing further up the leaderboard. Their focus will be on maintaining consistency and capitalizing on every opportunity presented, aiming not just for success but for dominance in the upcoming trials.