Red Bull Honda’s Stefan Bradl has been ruled out of WorldSBK competition for the rest of the season after surgery on a torn scaphulonate ligament.

The German will need seven weeks to recuperate after the operation, a result of a highside at Portimao, with physiotherapy beginning a week later. Surgeons doctors inserted pins and wire to put back the two sides of the torn ligament in position.

“Obviously it’s quite a difficult time for me, as it’s hard to come to terms with the fact that I won’t be able to race for the rest of the season. I have to stay positive, though, and try to do everything needed to make sure that my hand and wrist are fully healed,” said Bradl.

“Rest is now priority number one for the healing process. Luck hasn’t been on our side this year, but I couldn’t imagine that the consequences of my crash in Portimão were going to be so severe. I want to thank everybody who worked with me this year: it hasn’t been an easy one, not only from the sporting side but also for the tragedy we all had to endure early on. There’s not much I can do right now, but I will follow the races on TV and support the team from here.”

Honda have not yet decided on a replacement.