Chris Vermeulen says he is 'feeling OK considering' after an accident duri𒀰ng the second World Superbike race of the day at Phillip Island saw him hit the barriers at considerable speed.

The Kawasaki rider went into the second encounter eager to make amends for a self-inflicted retirement in race one, Vermeulen getting an out🤪standing start to run fourth from 14th on the grid at the end of the opening lap.

However, the former Mo🔯toGP rider struggled to keep up with the running pace and was dropping back down the order when he slღid off at Hayshed on lap eight, Vermeulen proceeding to impact the tyre wall with force.

Stretchered from the circuit, Vermeulen has since been dia💞gnosed with a badly bruised right leg and a damaged finger, and while no broken bones have been identified by ▨X-rays, he will undergo a detailed MRI scan as a precautionary measure.

Despite the injuries, however, Vermeulen was in a positive mood, insist📖ing he is 'OK' given the ferocity of the accident.

"I was feeling positivꦦe for the race after our two-day test and qualifying sessions. In both races I had really good starts but in the first race I lost the front early on when lying 7th and in race two I had a problem that resulted in a high-speed crash.

"I'm bruised and battered but am feeling OK, conside🅺ring the speed of the crash. I had heavy impact on my lower right leg and my finger is pretty smashed up. The preliminary X-rays have shown no breaks but for a precaution I am heading to Melbourne for a more detailed MRI scan.

"I'm glad we have a mon♚th befor🌳e Portimao, so I can ensure that I am back to full fitness."