THE RETURN to the scene of last year's MCE Insurance British Superbike triumph at Brands Hatch was supposed to be a glorious homecoming for Tommy Hill.

But the Swan Yamaha rider admitted there was only one word on his lips after the 2012 season-opener - miserable.

Hill sealed the 2011 title by the skin of his teeth at the season finale at Brands Hatch, edging out arch-rival John Hopkins to take his debut BSB crown.

But there was little to smile about for Hill on his return to track with a pair of crashes - and a race cancellation - spoiling his weekend.

The reigning champion's first tumble came in qualifying leaving the Swan Yamaha rider starting race one from the back of the grid before another spill in the opening race saw Hill's challenge end prematurely.

Any chance for redemption - and the first points of the campaign - for Hill were snatched away when deteriorating track conditions saw the second race cancelled, leaving Hill pointless, and down in the dumps.

"It was definitely not the best day in the office," said Hill. "In the first race, it was a bit frustrating; we found with warm up that the bike never really felt quite right.

"We decided to change things for the race, and we were actually using a lot less travel than we expected, so I think there was an issue with the shock, and the valving wasn't quite right.

"It's early days, I was hoping to do the same as last year but it didn't work out and it was a bit of a miserable day on race day to be honest.

"I'm gutted really because at the start of the weekend we were topping the time sheets and setting the pace.

"Then the weather came in and it affected everyone really, it's a shame that the race had to stop, but it's safety first I suppose. It's unfortunate really.

"The racing is in Britain and this is the UK so the weather can change, and unfortunately it did. It's just a bit of a downer for the team vibe and the fans."

British Eurosport is the Home of Bikes, showing all MotoGP, World Superbike and British Superbike races on Sky channels 410 and 411 and Virgin Media channels 521 and 525 as well as eurosportplayer.co.uk