FORMER MOTOGP man Chris Vermeulen will take no further part in the 2010 World Superbike Championship following a crash at Brno WSB.
The Australian has been struggling to regain his fitness following a crash in the first round of the championship at Phillip Island. Vermeulen tore ligaments and cartledge in his knee, which required several operations. Vermeulen's team say his latest spill has aggravated the existing injury.
The former World Supersport Champion currently ranks 19th in the 2010 championship standings with 10 points.
Vermeulen's replacement has yet to be announced.
From the Kawasaki WSB team:
Following the race one crash incident at Brno this weekend, Kawasaki Racing Team rider Chris Vermeulen suffered further damage to his already injured right knee.
The original injury was sustained in Philip Island at the first round of the Hannspree World Superbike Championship and although Chris returned to the team at the Assen race in April, his recovery has been very slow due to the severe ligament damage sustained. The latest damage has set back the recovery process and has reopened the question of whether reconstructive surgery is required to enable Chris to regain full use and control of the knee.
As a result Chris will be suspending his race and test activities from the Hannspree World Superbike Championship so that immediate corrective medical treatment can be sought without delay and to help ensure that Chris can return to full fitness in preparation for the 2011 Kawasaki Racing Team programme.
