Tyco Suzuki’s William Dunlop has been forced to withdraw from this year’s Southern 100 after one evening of practice as his recently-broken leg is not strong enough to contend with the Castletown circuit.

Even though Dunlop won in his return to racing at Skerries just weeks after breaking his leg in two placs during the Isle of Man TT, the Irish circuit is more forgiving and Dunlop says he can’t ride how he would like.”

“The Southern 100 circuit is more physically demanding than Skerries. I am having to move around on the bike more and I could not give it 100 per cent,” said Dunlop, speaking at the track.

“The Tyco Suzuki team can now concentrate on Guy. I still hope to ride at Walderstown on Sunday.”