Hill calls for more excitement

Former world champion Damon Hill has marked the day of the British Grand Prix by calling on Formula One chiefs to alter the rules to encourage more exciting racing.

Hill, who in four years with Williams won the title in 1996, finished second twice and third once, believes the sport he retired from in 1999 has lost the thrill factor.

The sport faced worldwide criticism after last month’s Austrian Grand Prix, where Rubens Barrichello pulled over just yards from the chequered flag to allow his Ferrari team-mate Michael Schumacher to win.

Schumacher then handed Barrichello the trophy on the podium and the incident resulted in a $1m (€1.02m) joint fine for Schumacher, Barrichello and Ferrari, with half of it suspended.

Hill, who now works as a Sky TV pundit, said: ‘‘Schumacher always wins. There needs to be racing. There is brilliant driving from time to time, but it’s getting more and more difficult to see it.

‘‘Millions of people tune in to watch people racing cars - and there should be guarantees of seeing that.

'‘On occasions this year, the complicated rules have taken away from the racing, so that needs to be addressed.

‘‘But it will always be the pinnacle of motorsport - where the best designers, engineers, manufacturers and drivers end up.’’

Hill, speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live’s Sports Week , insisted he did not regret leaving behind the F1 driver’s lifestyle.

‘‘I don’t miss it,’’ he added. ‘‘I’ve had my fill of driving and everything that goes with it.’’