Honda WorldSBK star Stefan Bradl has been forced to withdraw from the 2017 Suzuka Eight-Hours with an ear infection.

After being taken ill on Monday, Bradl was admitted to hospital on Tuesday morning where he was diagnosed with an inner ear infection. Due to complications from this infection he was advised by medical staff not to fly to Japan.

“I am unhappy to be missing the race as I have looked forward to this race all year. Unfortunately, the inner ear infection has led to some damage to the inner ear and eardrum and doctors told me I should not fly. I felt good at the test and was excited about taking part in the race. I would like to wish all the guys at TSR and Honda good luck for the weekend and I will be cheering them on from home,” said the German.

Dominique Aegerter and Randy De Puniet, who are probably both thinking ‘WTF?’, will campaign the FCC TSR Fireblade while Team SuP Dream Honda's Josh Hook has been promoted to replace Bradl.