HM Plant Honda's Josh Brookes says he is gutted not to be at the Brands Hatch British Superbike opener but there is nothing he can do as the visa application system takes so long.

The Aussie was refused entry into the UK yesterday because of problems with his work permit and put straight back on a plane. The former World Supersport race winner hopes to be back for the Oulton Park round in three weeks' time.

Speaking to bikesportnews.com, Brookes said: "I’m absolutely gutted that I couldn’t get my visa sorted in time following the change in immigration rules but thank Honda and the team for all their efforts and I’m doing everything possible to make sure I’m on the grid at Oulton Park.

I started gathering info for the visa in November and sent my application in december. I didn't get a response until February and it was refused because, at the time of my application, the ACU wasn't a registered license holder to sponsor a rider for entry into the UK.

"Now they have these documents in order but I must be in Australia to make the application, and this means sending your passport away with the application. Going through the standard system takes a minimum of two months to process a visa application.

"I applied for and received a second passport and tried to enter the UK just as a visitor but everything is linked so if there is a application for a visa in progress you can not enter the UK for any reason. I waited until the last minute trying everything I could to have the process sped up but there is nothing anyone can do."