Chris Vermeulen has decided to withdraw from the Portimao WSBK round after trying to take a couple of laps in today’s free practice.
The Australian suffered torn ligaments, cartilage and muscle in his knee after the high-speed crash during race 2 at the Phillip Island season opener.
Vermeulen needed at least two months to regain full fitness but was given the all clear by the doctors of the Clinica Mobile to try to race, but was was unable to bend his right knee and decided to pull out.
The Kawasaki rider will try to return for the third round in Valencia in two weeks time.