Hill's position as clear as mud

After weeks of will-he won't he speculation the ex-champion arrived at Silverstone today and refused to reveal whether he will quit after the race on Sunday or last until the end of the season.

But in a press conference on Thursday on the eve of first practice he gave
the impression that his racing career may be back on again if he can put in
a competitive performance this weekend.

If that happens he could partner French Grand Prix winner Heinz-Harald
Frentzen right to the end of the season as originally planned.

Some sources suggest that if that happens he could be appearing on a race-by-race contract.

I am not talking about what's happening in the future,' he said.

'There will be clarification about that after this Grand Prix - not during, not before. You will have to draw your own conclusions on that.

'This weekend I am racing in the British Grand Prix. That is the only thing I want to consider. Once the Grand Prix is over we will see what happens.'

A crucial element that will shape his future made a welcome return in testing last week at Silverstone - a car he feels comfortable with.

The first sign of an improved bonding with his race machine came when he ended the final day of the test second fastest.

'I do not know really why that was,' said Hill. 'There have obviously been some changes to the set-up that I had been working on before the French Grand Prix and I have had the chance to implement them now.

'There are some things on the car - I'm not saying what - that have made me feel a lot better.'

The Englishman originally announced three days after the Canadian Grand Prix that he was quitting the sport.

Then he arrived at the next race in France and said his career might not last until Suzuka because his family came first.

After a disastrous weekend in which he failed to qualify and was given a grace and favour place near the back of the grid and then retiring while running last - he hinted he may have raced for the last time.

Since his testing times at Silverstone, though, he has increasingly indicated his career may be back on again.

Hill's comments only add to the furious speculation that surrounds his future.

Some sources in the paddock speculate that elements within Jordan may want him to retire because they feel he is not racing at his best and he could hinder their chances of finishing third in the constructors championship - their highest-ever position.

Hill has now gone back into his shell and said he will not be keeping any of his media engagements over the weekend - except one public press conference on Friday - so he can concentrate on the racing.

'There has been some stress over the last few days. I am glad I am now here and there is just one job that I have got to do,' he added.