One of many to fall in the season-opening Brands Hatch crash-fest, defending BSB champion Tommy Hill kick-started his 2012 campaig🍎n with two second places at Thruxton on Sunday.

On pole by half a second, thꦓe Swan Yamaha star led the majority of race one, until grip problems led to a late pass by Padgetts Honda rider Ia𝓰n Lowry.

Race two saw Hill take the lead from PBM Kawasaki's Shane Byrne 𓆏in the closing stages, but couldn't contain a charging J⭕osh Brookes (Tyco Suzuki), who snatched victory from Hill on the very last lap.

Hill later revealed he had opted against makin♕g any set-up changes between rac♐es.

"It was a hard decision for race two and I contemplated 🥃changing between race one and 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 our race," he said.

"I could see Shakey was losing grip and ꦜI 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 important though and after last๊ weekend it was great to get back on the podium for Swan Yamaha. I think w꧙e will have more to come at Oulton Park next time out."

Despite his disappointment, Hill has moved to f♒ourth in the early BSB standings, just nine points from surprise leader Lo🔴wry.