The 24-year-old Stroll missed out on last week’s three-day testing in Bahrain after he picked up an injury while cycling.

The wrist injury threatened to rule him out for this week and Felipe Drugovich carried out the testing duties along with Fernando Alonso.

On Thursday Stoll confirmed that he is still in a but of pain, but he is ready to take to the track for the season-opening race.

“It’s never ideal missing days in a Formula 1 car,” said Stroll.

“We don’t get many days outside the race weekend. Not ideal but I can’t focus on that now; it’s done, I’m just going to focus on getting in the best rhythm I can and go from there.

“It hurts a bit, but it feels good, it feels solid. Nothing I haven’t had before. Nothing that’s going to stop me driving.

“I want to have every chance to go racing. If I feel like I’m fit enough to race, with a bit of discomfort, I’m going to do it. We’re professional athletes.

“In every sport, we’re sometimes in a bit of discomfort. If I felt it was not smart or there was a risk, or I felt my bones were not ready, I wouldn’t do it.

“F1 is a long season, it’s 23 races, it’s not all about being here in Bahrain. But I feel confident, doctors feel confident, so here I am.”

The Bahrain Grand Prix starts at 17:00 on Sunday afternoon.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport