Relentless Suzuki's Ian Lowry has been struck down by a mystery bug which has sapped him of all energy and is seriously affecting the amount of strength he has to muscle his GSX-R1000 around Brands Hatch.

The Irish youngster only managed to qualify in 18th place and came to this weekdn's British Superbike round after spending the whole of this week in bed - and doctors still don't know what the problem is.

"I have been absolutely knackered and spent all this week in bed until I had to come here. I just seem to have no energy and this weekend has been really hard work so far," said Lowry, speaking bikesportnews.com this morning.

"The doctors at home haven't figured out what's wrong and the first race today could be hard as it is so hot. I hope it cools down for the second race this afternoon."