Q&A: Damon Hill - EXCLUSIVE.

by Russell Atkins

Britain's last Formula One World Champion, Damon Hill, has continued his career within the sport since retiring from the top flight in 1999. President of the British Racing Drivers' Club since last April, here he gives his views on the club's work and the state of grand prix racing in 2007...

Q:
Damon, how are you enjoying your time as BRDC President so far?

Damon Hill:
I think it's been fascinating. I would say I like a challenge, and it's a different kind of challenge to driving, but it's complex and it involves motorsport which is what I know so it's been good.

Q:
What do you foresee in the future for the BRDC?

DH:
I hope the BRDC can be instrumental in laying down the groundwork for retaining the British Grand Prix at Silverstone, and also being a positive force for motorsport in this country.

Q:
Turning your attentions to Formula One, what do you think we have to look forward to in 2007?

DH:
I think it's going to be a very exciting and interesting year, and the first one without Michael Schumacher competing. Whether that's a good or bad thing we will have to wait and find out.

Q:
Indeed, Michael was a long-time rival of yours in Formula One. Now he has retired, how do you think the sport will be without him? Do you think he will be missed much?

DH:
I think it will be quite interesting just to see how it all unfolds without Michael. I'm not so sure he has left the sport entirely. I think there's a chance we will see him back in some capacity other than driving, but from a competitive point-of-view it does add to the uncertainty of the championship. You could probably put a 50 per cent chance on Michael winning a race when he was racing, maybe even more than that. Now he has left there will be more uncertainty which I believe is better for the sport, better for the racing and better for enticing people to turn on and watch.

Q:
There are also a number of other changes this year aren't there, with Kimi Raikkonen going to Ferrari and Fernando Alonso switching to McLaren. Who is your tip for the top over the course of the season?

DH:
I think Kimi Raikkonen has to be in a better position than anyone else. He has got undoubted potential and speed, he just hasn't had the equipment so far. I think he was so frustrated at McLaren. One of the questions with Ferrari is what will be the effect on motivation now Michael has left? Will that still be maintained? It's quite difficult. Not only has Michael left, but Ross Brawn is taking some time off - the team is not the same as it was when Michael was there. There may be a negative factor within the team because of that. That may lead to more unreliability and less competitiveness for Kimi to exploit.

Q:
There are two young British drivers towards the front end of the grid in 2007 too. How do you think Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton will get on this year?

DH:
I'm very keen to see how Jenson does, because I think he has got a challenge now from Lewis for the top Brit slot if you like. I think the question for Lewis really is how competitive is the McLaren going to be? He also has a very strong team-mate and is entering his first year, whereas Jenson has miles under his belt. That will be a very interesting one to watch. Honda showed last year that they can do it. They won a race and I think they are one of those teams that could spring a surprise in 2007. That would put Jenson in a very good position to possibly even become world champion.

Q:
As you say, Jenson won his first grand prix last year. Ron Dennis has been making some noises recently about Lewis winning a race in his debut season in Formula One. How achievable do you think that is?

DH:
I think it's very achievable. Every year McLaren have an opportunity to win. I think last year was the first one for donkey's years in which they didn't win a race. They usually win races and Lewis has race-winning proven potential, so yes, I agree with that.