Hill finishes lacklustre 12th

But afterwards he said he was determined to go out on a high.

The 1996 champion was again outperformed by Jordan team-mate Heinz-Harald Frentzen who split title hopefuls Mika Hakkinen and Eddie Irvine to qualify fourth.

'I am disappointed with my result,' said Hill, who will hang up his racing boots at the Suzuka scene of his championship triumph after making his 115th grand prix appearance tomorrow.

'I would have liked to have been higher in my last qualifying performance and I cannot put my finger on why I was not faster. I hope to have a better race. I want to go out on a high.'

Frentzen showed just why pole winner Michael Schumacher believes he has been one of the driver's of the season as he edged championship leader Irvine off the second row of the grid in the final seconds of the session, having been armed with a new Honda engine.

'I am really pleased with fourth place,' said the German. 'Starting from second row puts us in a good position to be able to finish on the podium. I want to finish as high up as I can.'

Team boss Eddie Jordan, whose Silverstone-based outfit are already assured of a career best third in the Constructors' Championship, said, 'That was one of the most exciting qualifying sessions for a long time - quite sensational from every point of view.

'I know Damon is disappointed with his result, but we will be cheering him on in his final race.'