Aston Martin forced into driver change after Stroll illness

Aston Martin has been forced to change its planned driver line-up for the second time on the final day of pre-season testing.

The original plan called for Lance Stroll to take the morning session for the first time in the test, with Fernando Alonso set to bring home the running in the final four hour session.

On Friday morning, Stroll woke feeling unwell and was swapped out for Alonso, with the Canadian fit enough to log 34 laps in the afternoon session. 

With just under one hour and 20 minutes of running remaining, Alonso was called back to the garage, with the mechanics switching out Stroll's seat and pedals for the two-time world champion's. 

Aston Martin subsequently confirmed that Stroll was still feeling unwell, meaning Alonso will see out the final 68 minutes of running.

He had completed 49 laps in the morning session, which added with Stroll's 34 gave the team a total of 83 for the day prior to Alonso jumping back in.

“He's OK but he's obviously feeling really unwell,” team ambassador Pedro de la Rosa told F1 TV.

“It was good that he was able to get into the car. He had a very good test, trying things with the suspension. It was very positive.

“But he couldn't continue, he was really struggling. He pushed himself to the maximum.

“We had Fernando available, who is not feeling great either. He has a bit of a cold but is obviously feeling much better than Lance.”