Lance Stroll believes he can make a rare trip to the top step of the podium when debuting in the GT World Challenge this weekend.

Lance Stroll joins the small but growing number of full-time Formula 1 drivers to compete outside of the world championship while the season is ongoing, taking advantage of the unplanned April break in the schedule.

The Canadian will contest the six hour opening round of the GT World Challenge at Paul Ricard, the former French Grand Prix host circuit, driving an Aston Martin Vantage AMR GT3 EVO, run by Belgian team, Comtoyou Racing.

“The decision came when we were in Suzuka,” said Stroll. “On Saturday evening, we had dinner with some friends, and we were talking about what we could do during this break – about a month – because some races were cancelled.

“Jean-Michel [Baert, Comtoyou team owner] was very accommodating, and we organised everything in about a week. Honestly, without Jean-Michel bringing everything together so quickly, it wouldn’t have been possible.”

Stroll had not driven a GT car in 10 years prior to a test at the Nurburgring last week – following in the footsteps of Max Verstappen, who is preparing to contest the Nurburgring 24 Hour.

Racing alongside friend and former Marussia F1 driver Roberto Mehri, and Aston Martin Academy driver Mari Boya, Stroll has his targets set on the podium, something he is all too aware is a distant way off in F1.

“In Formula 1, you don’t always have the opportunity to win,” he said. “Here, it’s very competitive, but even if it’s our first time and we lack experience, if everything comes together – good setup, good feeling – winning is possible.

“That doesn’t really exist in Formula 1. That’s also a big motivation for me to be here.”

With less of a spotlight away from the F1 paddock, Stroll hopes to continue his GT activities throughout the year.

Comparing the calendars, while the Monza round is the only other option for Stroll in the first half of the season, he could contest each of the final five rounds, although this would mean one weekend away from a track in 10, between the Dutch Grand Prix on 23 August, to the Sao Paulo Grand Prix on November 8.

“It’s different – less downforce, less power – but it moves more,” he added. “You can attack kerbs more, which is different. And in traffic, you can follow cars much more closely than in Formula 1.

“If I feel good physically and mentally, I’d like to do more races during the year.

“For me, whenever I’m in the car with my helmet on, whether it’s here, Formula 1, or even karting, it’s always the same mindset. But here, it’s nice: fewer media duties, more time in the garage working with the team and just driving and enjoying it.”

Lance Stroll believes he can make a rare trip to the top step of the podium when debuting in the GT World Challenge this weekend.

Lance Stroll joins the small but growing number of full-time Formula 1 drivers to compete outside of the world championship while the season is ongoing, taking advantage of the unplanned April break in the schedule.

The Canadian will contest the six hour opening round of the GT World Challenge at Paul Ricard, the former French Grand Prix host circuit, driving an Aston Martin Vantage AMR GT3 EVO, run by Belgian team, Comtoyou Racing.

“The decision came when we were in Suzuka,” said Stroll. “On Saturday evening, we had dinner with some friends, and we were talking about what we could do during this break – about a month – because some races were cancelled.

“Jean-Michel [Baert, Comtoyou team owner] was very accommodating, and we organised everything in about a week. Honestly, without Jean-Michel bringing everything together so quickly, it wouldn’t have been possible.”

Stroll had not driven a GT car in 10 years prior to a test at the Nurburgring last week – following in the footsteps of Max Verstappen, who is preparing to contest the Nurburgring 24 Hour.

Racing alongside friend and former Marussia F1 driver Roberto Mehri, and Aston Martin Academy driver Mari Boya, Stroll has his targets set on the podium, something he is all too aware is a distant way off in F1.

“In Formula 1, you don’t always have the opportunity to win,” he said. “Here, it’s very competitive, but even if it’s our first time and we lack experience, if everything comes together – good setup, good feeling – winning is possible.

“That doesn’t really exist in Formula 1. That’s also a big motivation for me to be here.”

With less of a spotlight away from the F1 paddock, Stroll hopes to continue his GT activities throughout the year.

Comparing the calendars, while the Monza round is the only other option for Stroll in the first half of the season, he could contest each of the final five rounds, although this would mean one weekend away from a track in 10, between the Dutch Grand Prix on 23 August, to the Sao Paulo Grand Prix on November 8.

“It’s different – less downforce, less power – but it moves more,” he added. “You can attack kerbs more, which is different. And in traffic, you can follow cars much more closely than in Formula 1.

“If I feel good physically and mentally, I’d like to do more races during the year.

“For me, whenever I’m in the car with my helmet on, whether it’s here, Formula 1, or even karting, it’s always the same mindset. But here, it’s nice: fewer media duties, more time in the garage working with the team and just driving and enjoying it.”