Hill: The final chapter has begun

The former world champion announced today he would carry on racing for the Jordan team for the rest of the season, in the quest to help 'Benson and Hedges Jordan team achieve their highest-ever Constructors' Championship position.'

Team boss Eddie Jordan responded, 'We are all extremely pleased with Damon's decision.

'His contribution to this massive team effort is invaluable and we are all eagerly anticipating the last eight races.'

The saga of Hill's on-off retirement has gone on for some weeks, starting at the French Grand Prix last month, where after a miserable weekend he said that was his last race.

However, he then decided to race at Silverstone in the British GP, where he put in a great performance to finish fifth behind his team-mate Heinz-Harald Frentzen.

Hill's latest decision to finally leave the sport at the end of the year may also have been influenced by Micharel Schumacher's crash at Silverstone, which has put the German out of action for at least three races.

The Jordan team may now think second place behind McLaren is a realistic achievement, and this would be another challenge for Hill, providing him with the motivation he needs to drive him on.