Former British Superbike Champion Gregorio Lavilla could well replace Josh Brookes in the HM Plant Honda squad if the Aussie is refused entry into the UK for the Oulton round.

Brookes has twice been sent home to Australia because he didn't have the correct paperwork under the new five-tier immigration system and it is believed officials will take a dim view of a further application.

Lavilla, who has been linked with Shane Byrne's Sterilgarda Ducati World Superbike squad, could step into Brookes' shoes in three weeks' time, according to a source at Honda Racing UK.

The Spaniard was BSB Champion in 2005 after accepting a last-minute ride with the Airwaves Ducati squad to replace James Haydon, who injured himself in pre-season testing.

And history, at least in this game, has a nasty habit of repeating itself.