Metzeler National Superstock 1000 competitor Steve Mercer has been forced to miss the start of the British Superbike season at Brands Hatch this weekend as his 209 Yamaha R1 has not arrived in time.

Five weeks prior the season start, Mercer's team's main sponsor fell through, forcing him to arrange buying is own bike, which is yet to be delivered.  This is a huge disappointment for the Maidstone rider whose intention was to chase the championship title.

"I don't know what I am doing now as I was going for the title and have already missed the start of the season, I am sure I will be missing the next round as well," said Mercer.

"I borrowed a friend's R1 and I was doing 49s round Brands, so it is quite disheartening when I am watching the times this weekend."

This is not only a disappointment to Mercer, but also the fans, from a spectator point of view Mercer is always one to watch.  He has dazzled viewers with his battles and results on numerous occasions, but the past couple of seasons he has been plagued by bad luck, which seems to be continuing.

Even though his involvement in the British championship is now in doubt he will still be going ahead with his road racing quest by debuting at the TT this year following his first taste of road racing at the Macau.