Vermuelen to miss Silverstone

Date published : 26 Jul 2011 - 11:15:53

Kawasaki Racing Team regular Chris Vermeulen will not be racing at Silverstone this weekend after a fall at Brno cut short his raceday in the Czech Republic and he has been advised to sit the UK Round out in order to be fully race fit for the next WSBK race at the Nürburgring on September 4.Following his crash in free practice his elbow has still not regained full movement and strength as had been hoped in time for Silverstone. The team were thus faced again with the situation where he may be able to ride but will not be competitive and is far more likely to crash and sustain further injuries. Kawasaki has therefore suggested to Chris that he should take an extended break between now and Nurburgring and ensure that he is fully recovered and fit enough to return safely and competitively at this time. Vermeulen's original knee injury has in fact continued to improve and his strength is now estimated at around 80%. The main problem remains his elbow that has damage to the ligaments after an infection to the wound and this needs daily treatment to reduce the calcification.