Image: Supplied.

Australian Josh Hook was forced to sit out round two of the 2019/2020 FIM Endurance World Championship (EWC) at the 8 Hours of Sepang after being struck down with an illness.

The F.C.C. TSR Honda France rider revealed he suffered a severe case of influenza, electing to sit-out the weather-affected event in Malaysia.

The TSR squad, who led the race at stages, finished 13th in the standings after a pair of crashes by Mike di Meglio.

“Tough old day here in Sepang,” said Hook. “I came down with a severe case of influenza causing me to be sidelined. The race was shortened to three hours due to bad weather conditions.

“We were leading with one hour to go, and a crash put us back to 28th. The team managed to make it back into the points, finishing up 13th.”

The next stop on the EWC calendar is scheduled for 18-19 April, where Le Mans will host the 24 Heures Motos.