One of many to fall in the sไeason-opening Brands Hatch crash-fest, defending BSB champion Tommy Hill kick-started his 2012 campaign with two second plac♔es at Thruxton on Sunday.

On pole by half a second, the Swan Yamaha star led the majority of race one, until grip proble🦩ms led to a late pass by Padgetts Honda rider Ian Low🐼ry.

Race two saw Hill take the lead from PBM Kawasaki's Shane༺ Byrne in the closing stages, but couldn't contain a charging Josh Brookes (Tyco𒁃 Suzuki), who snatched victory from Hill on the very last lap.

Hill later♑ revealed he had opted against making any set-up changes between races.

"It was a hard decision for race two and I contemplated changing between race one a♎nd two, but we decided to go with what we knew as we didn't want to go for a massive gamble that could have ruined o𝔉ur race," he said.

"I could see Shakey was losing grip and I can'꧅t believe I got robbed on the last lap for the win as that is twice today we have just🎶 missed out.

"Podiums are impo♏rtant though and after last weekend it was great to get back on the podium for Swan Yamaha. I think we will have more to comꦯe at Oulton Park next time out."

Despite his disappointment, Hill h🔴as moved to fourth in th🥀e early BSB standings, just nine points from surprise leader Lowry.