Team Suzuki World MXGP’s Ben Townley has chosen to sit out the upcoming fly-away rounds on the 2016 MXGP circuit following ongoing health issues.

The New Zealander will be absent from both the Argentina and Mexico events taking place on 10 April and 17 April respectively, a decision that team manager Stefan Everts believes is the right one.

“Ben was sick before Valkenswaard and since then has still been very tired and is sleeping a lot,” said Everts. “We made some blood tests and checks and all seemed ok, but he is still so lethargic and very drained.”

Townley has returned home to New Zealand to recover in hopes of returning fit and healthy for the Latvian Grand Prix.

“Ben headed home and we made a late decision that it is important for him to get healthy and fit so he will sit out these two fly-aways,” Everts added.

Although Townley’s factory RM-Z450W is already in South America, Everts and his team have elected not to substitute the New Zealander during his absence at the two upcoming events.

“We had a look but finally we will not run another rider at these events,” Everts said.

Townley currently sits 12th overall in the MXGP championship standings after contesting the first three rounds of the 2016 season.