Yet another twist in the tale?

Hill is bouyant after a successful test at the Northamptonshire circuit last week, when he closely-matched team-mate Heinz-Harald Frentzen.

Insiders say that the former world champion may have finally adapted to this year's car and could commit himself to seeing out the year if his form continues this weekend.

Hill has refused to rule out staying on.

He said last week, 'I've had good tests before and then it's turned pooh-shaped at the Grand Prix.

'I'll just keep my fingers crossed and hope it keeps going. I think there are still some results there to come.'

Hill said he will not want to race if he is uncompetitive, and would not want to be put in a position where he decides to carry on and then finds himself quitting at a later race because he is still struggling.

Jordan issued a statement last week saying that Hill would drive 'for the last time' at Silverstone, with team boss Eddie Jordan wishing him 'a triumphant send-off.'

Hill last week looked to have decided for certain to quit after the British GP following several days of intrigue and politics.

He said, 'It has always been my intention to compete in the British GP. I'll just leave it at that and say that Eddie has a lot on his plate and he's got to think of his team as well. He's got every right to look at - and he should be - protecting his interests by running other drivers. I'm cool about that.

'I started this season with the intention of competing. It's not been a season I've enjoyed, so I announced I would be retiring at the end of the year. Since then, things have moved on.

'I've always wanted to be competitive, to win. If I'm presented with a competitive situation, I want to do my best.'