“It's terrific that it has been recovered,” he enthused, “and we are absolutely flabbergasted and delighted that it's come back. We normally hear about things being stolen and then never being found again, but the police have done a great job to get this back to its rightful owners and rightful place.
“It's fantastic that the bust can get some exposure from this as well. My dad was very much a big personality in motorsport, and it's great that he's back – even if we do have two now! He was always travelling around the place, and it seems he's kept that tradition up even as a bust!”
The former
Williams star made a point of underlining the ‘immeasurable' impact his father had had on his own racing career, even though Damon was only just 15 when he died and did not begin competing himself until some eight years later still. He also suggested that maybe the return of the bust would herald a sunnier future for
Silverstone too, whose status on the
F1 calendar as the ‘Home of the British Grand Prix' has come under increasing threat in recent years.
“He's got quite a big head, hasn't he?” Hill joked. “I don't know if that's real life-size… He had a very interesting face too; he could be quite scary at times, and was very serious about what he did. Amy has captured that expression and the essence of his character, and it's great to see it.
“As a champion and racing driver he was a role model, not just for myself but for a lot of drivers. He was a tremendous personality and an inspirational person. I don't think I would have become world champion if it hadn't been for my father.
“Hopefully [his return] is an omen that he's going to come back in force and keep the British Grand Prix at Silverstone!”
