My decision to race says Hill

Speaking from Silverstone yesterday, where F1 teams are testing in preparation for next weekend's race, Hill apologised to fans for recent confusion about his plans, but claimed he had always intended to race.

'It is fair to say that there has been a reasonable degree of, shall we say shenanigans. It has always been my intention to compete in the British Grand Prix.

But he denied anyone else had a hand in persuading him to make a final appearance.

'It was my decision to race. I have had a difficult time with the car and poor results and I don't want that to continue.

I have not shown myself to the best, but I'm looking for a way out and up. I'm not looking for a way to slip out of the back door anywhere.'

The former world champion said he was 'completely happy' to be in the Jordan and at Silverstone, sparking rumours that he may change his mind about retiring.

'I'm pleased to be here,' he said, 'happy with the set-up and the happiest I've been all year.'

Asked if the British Grand Prix was to be his last race, Hill replied, 'As we stand here yes.'

'If we manage to sort out the car and it is a second quicker than McLaren and Ferrari, I will definitely stay,' he joked.

Hill went faster than his team-mate Heinz-Harald Frentzen in yesterday's morning runs.

The British Grand Prix holds fond memories for Hill.

Apart from being his home race, it was the first Grand Prix he qualified for when driving for the Brabham team during his first F1 season in 1992.