Aston Martin driver Lynn to miss Bahrain WEC finale due to COVID-19

Following his Le Mans 24 Hours success with Maxime Martin and Harry Tincknell in the #97 Aston Martin Vantage in the GTE Pro class, Lynn was due to return with Martin as a duo for Saturday's eight-hour title decider.

However, in a statement, Aston has revealed that the British driver didn't travel to Bahrain after returning a positive COVID-19 test.

Lynn's place will be taken by Richard Westbrook, who was already due to travel to the Gulf nation to drive alongside Paul Dalla Lana and Ross Gunn in Aston's #98 entry in the GTE Am ranks due to Augusto Farfus' commitments with BMW in the clashing Sebring 12 Hours.

With Westbrook moving up to GTE Pro, Aston has called up 2017 GTE Am champion Pedro Lamy to take Westbrook's place in the #98 Vantage.

"It's incredibly disappointing to end the World Endurance Championship season in this way, especially after the amazing high of the Le Mans victory that brought us back into title contention," said Lynn (below, right).

"I wish all my team-mates the best of luck this weekend, but especially Maxime and Richard."

Westbrook added: "I feel really sorry for Alex.

"It's terrible for a driver to have the chance to fight for a championship taken away by something like this.

"I am looking forward to getting back in the Vantage GTE and, having had plenty of miles under my belt at Le Mans, I'm certain that I will be able to give Maxime the support he needs as he goes for the championship.

"Bahrain is one my favourite tracks; I won my first GT race there in 2005. Hopefully I can do it again this weekend!"

The two Aston crews occupy the top two spots in the GTE Pro standings, with the #95 entry of Marco Sorensen and Nicki Thiim leading Lynn and Martin by 15 points, with 39 available in the bonus points Bahrain race.

The only other car still in mathematical contention for the class title is the AF Corse Ferrari 488 of Alessandro Pier Guidi and James Calado, which trails the leading Aston by 26 points.

However, Pier Guidi will also miss the Bahrain finale and will instead be competing in the GT World Challenge Europe at Paul Ricard, meaning Calado will share his Ferrari with Daniel Serra.