Hill: 'That may have been my last race'

His thousands of fans hoped that he might make it to the British Grand Prix for his Formula One swansong after Hill announced he might quit earlier than the last race of the season.

But after pulling out of the French Grand Prix with a misfire he admitted, 'That may have been my last race.'

'It was not a very good weekend and when it decides to turn against you it gives you everything it's got.

'Qualifying was a bit of a shock. Then in the race I made my pit stop at about the right time.

'As I was going down the pitlane an Arrows hit me and punctured my left rear tyre. Then when the safety car came out I had a puncture and there was no way I could carry on.

'I hope it wasn't my last race but there is a possibility it might have been.

'I could carry on if I wanted to but I don't want to be in a position where
Eddie is not getting any more points.'

His miserable race had been the end to a terrible weekend.

After a catalogue of problems he failed to qualify and was only allowed onto the grid in 18th position at the discretion of the race stewards who quoted 'exceptional circumstances'.

Team-boss Eddie Jordan said, 'These decisions must be made by the driver. I'll support him whatever decision he makes.'