The 19 year old started the race from second position on the grid, but a problem with the rear tyre heater almost caused a very early end for the Van Zan Honda rider.

“The rear tyre was stone cold. I got away all right, but at the first turn it almost threw me down. I was lucky not to crash out at turn one,” a dejected Vermeulen reported.

“They are the worst conditions I’ve seen. The place is so flat and the water doesn’t get away. I got caught up back in the pack and it was a matter of survival,” the Aussie said.

The fourteenth placing, handed the teenager two championship points, not enough to stop him sliding to ninth in the battle for the world championship.

“I thought if it was dry I had the package to win. We were just so quick and I had a great race tyre, but that’s the way it goes. I’m not happy about the tyre heater incident and I am about to go and find out what happened.”

Round 7 of the championship will be held in two weeks at the stunning Lausitzring Race Way in Germany.