Motor racing: Hill's top-flight hopes rest with Benetton

Derick Allsop
Friday 13 September 1996 23:02 BST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Damon Hill's hopes of staying in the forefront of Grand Prix motor racing next season rest with Benetton-Renault after another leading team yesterday closed their doors to the world championship leader.

McLaren-Mercedes effectively rejected the Englishman's claims when they announced they had decided to keep Finland's Mika Hakkinen as the partner to Britain's David Coulthard. Early this week, Ferrari reaffirmed their faith in Northern Ireland's Eddie Irvine, so ending conjecture that Hill might move in alongside his old adversary and the outgoing world champion, Michael Schumacher.

Hakkinen has earned another contract at McLaren with impressive drives in recent races, confirming his recovery from serious injuries sustained in a crash at last season's Australian Grand Prix. Ron Dennis, the managing director of McLaren, said: "Mika's performances this year have only served to increase my belief in his potential. I have always felt he has the talent to be a world champion."

Hill, dropped by Williams-Renault, is left with only Benetton to aim for and, despite strong support from Renault, who are eager to display the champion's No 1 for their last season in Formula One, it may prove an elusive target. Jean Alesi, the driver who would have to make way, is under contract until the end of next year and is understandably resisting efforts to switch him to Jordan-Peugeot. Renault are believed to be willing to finance any settlement but Alesi could take his case to the Contracts Recognition Board.

If Hill fails in his endeavours to join Benetton, he must accept relegation to the "second division" with Jordan or possibly the new Stewart-Ford team. Already, it seems, destined for Jordan is Ralf Schumacher, the 21-year-old brother of Michael. McLaren's option on his services was relinquished when they chose to re-employ Hakkinen.

Before all that, Hill has some unfinished business in the championship, which he can mop up in Portugal a week tomorrow.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in