Australian Jason O’Halloran was forced to withdraw his entry from Sunday’s second race at Knockhill, marking round five of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship.

O’Halloran, who’s been dealing with a leg injury over the last two months, accepted a 16th place result in race one on the demanding circuit, prompting the Honda Racing rider to sit-out the second 30-lap affair.

“It was a hard decision to walk away today and miss the second race, but it’s been a tough weekend for me physically,” O’Halloran admitted. “We’ve had good speed through all sessions and I had a good day yesterday, but it took a lot out of me and I’m not over this injury yet.

“Knockhill is a really physical track and my legs just aren’t strong enough, I need to think about the next couple of races and not set my progress back any further. I’d made a good step from Snetterton, even with a small set back and managed to get strong for this weekend, but over the weekend it did become a struggle.

“We have to be sensible and there’s no point in hurting myself more, it’s not going to do us any favours in the long run. As soon as I am 100% fit again I know I’ll be back at the front, the Fireblade is working so well and the team are doing such a good job, which makes it even more frustrating.”

O’Halloran is hopeful of a full return at Brands Hatch’s sixth round, scheduled for 20-22 July.