Grapevine: Hill demonstrates Renault in Whitehall

The 1996 world champion, now president of the British Racing Drivers' Club, took the Renault on a short demonstration run in Whitehall, in the presence of prime minister Tony Blair.

The event marked the beginning of the British Motor Show, and was followed by a reception for prominent industry figures at 10 Downing Street.

"This was only a small demo of the car, but I am proud to have taken part in this unique project," Hill said.

"The motorsport industry is among the crown jewels of Britain's high-technology sector, and the level of expertise that we see in Formula One is the pinnacle.

"To have a Formula One car running in the heart of Whitehall, in the presence of the Prime Minister, is the most dramatic way possible of highlighting Britain's standing in one of the most challenging sporting disciplines in the world."

As Renault is officially a French team, their involvement in an event celebrating British motoring excellence might have seemed incongruous. But Hill was quick to highlight the fact although Renault may race under a French flag, their chassis are designed and built at Enstone in Oxfordshire.

"Renault has an international outlook, and they recognised that Britain has unique expertise in this sector," he said.

"Their willingness to assemble the skills they need to win, while maintaining their identity as a distinctively French company, has been a key factor in the success they are now enjoying."