Head thinks Hill's still got what it takes

The Williams technical director saw Hill win a world title in his car in 1996 and said he is still an 'outstanding driver'.

He said Hill should brush aside the pressure to quit after Sunday's British Grand Prix.

He believes the Jordan ace, the most successful driver on the grid after Michael Schumacher, has been pushed to the verge of quitting by those who have talked up his retirement.

'Twenty-two grand prix wins is something that will remain with Damon, and I hope there is the possibility of him adding to that,' he said.

'I would like to see him continue until the end of the season. I think he still loves his racing.

'Obviously, he's had some pretty difficult races this year and it hasn't impressed him too much.

'It's probably fuelled by people interviewing him right after a race with the bloodstream full of adrenalin, and he's a bit depressed by what's happened.

'A few people have talked up his retirement as well, and maybe pushed him into this position. But I would prefer to see him see the season out.'

But Jackie Stewart, who has known Hill since he was a boy, said the ex-champion should retire now.

Hill himself has said no decisions will be made until after Sunday's British Grand Prix.

The signs are that he is intent on continuing and only needs the incentive of a good result at Silverstone to carry on.

He was bouyed by testing last week when he finished the final day second quickest, and said he was feeling happy with the car for the first time this season.

Head believes the driver, who won 21 of his 22 races in a Williams, could still be a winner.

'He is an outstanding driver and results can't be taken away from him.

'We've great memories of working with him and of him being a very good test driver.

'His personality, and his strength in '94, particularly after Ayrton Senna's death at Imola, was a real inspiration to the team.

'I'm not sure how he's rated...people are always ready to jump forward and say he was in the best car at the time.

'But you look at (Juan Manuel) Fangio who was an expert, a specialist at making sure he was in a good car for every year that he drove.

'It's part of the art of being a grand prix driver.'