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New tin-top series wants Damon Hill

The organisers of the newly-announced Superstars touring car series are looking to attract a number of big-name ex-Formula 1 drivers to the championship, with 1996 World Champion Damon Hill top of their list

Maurizio Flammini, boss of the series organisers, Flammini Group, and the driving force behind the World Superbike Championship, said at the series' launch on Tuesday: "The strategy is to have at least one big star from each country we race in. We are speaking to Damon Hill and he has authorised me to say he's interested in the championship."

The 10-race 2001 schedule for the 3-litre, low-cost machines includes three rounds in the UK and Hill's undoubted box-office appeal would significantly swell attendances.

Asked by Autosport magazine if he would consider racing in the series, Hill said: "I am enjoying not driving at the moment."

But despite being non-committal on driving in the championship, Hill was positive about the concept of the series: "I would only go so far as to say that there is room for a European tourimng car championship for which the emphasis is on pleasing the public and providing good, entertaining racing and that was their objective.

"All I've said is I agree with them," he added. "I'm not involved at all: I'm only interested as a race fan in what they're trying to achieve. It would be great if there was a European tin-top series that didn't necessarily pander to the manufacturers. People love to see big, powerful rear-wheel drive cars.

"There are a lot of drivers who still want to drive, but there's no place for them. Imagine a championship that has the kudos [to attract ex-Grand Prix drivers]."

The series is scheduled to begin in Monza, Italy, on April 1, with UK rounds pencilled in for Silverstone, Brands Hatch and Donington Park.

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