Congratulations Damon Hill!
On 13 October 1996, in Suzuka, Damon Hill won the world title after a dramatic season in which he battled against his team-mate Jacques Villeneuve. The Briton’s landmark achievement came at the wheel of a Williams-Renault, and he became the fourth driver to win a world title with the normally-aspirated Renault V10, after Nigel Mansell (1992), Alain Prost (1993) and Michael Schumacher (1996).
To mark the tenth anniversary of his title, and just one week ahead of Renault’s latest title decider, we spoke to Britain’s last world champion – who is now President of the prestigious BRDC (British Racing Drivers Club) and who even drove the world championship-winning Renault R25 in Whitehall in front of Tony Blair earlier this year…
Congratulations Damon. You won your world title ten years ago today…"Really? I can’t believe it… I hadn’t realised! I don’t know what to say, unless it’s that time flies! It won’t be a surprise to hear it, but it really feels like yesterday."
What memories do you have of working with Renault?"I have some really wonderful memories of that period. I was working with good people, very professional but also people who loved the sport. I always liked Renault’s approach. And I think it paid off last year, and could well do so again in 2006…"
In 1996, you won the title at the final race. What advice would you give Fernando a week ahead of Interlagos?"I wouldn’t presume to give him any advice at all! Fernando has demonstrated incredible maturity for such a young man. He knows how to control the race, and doesn’t make mistakes. He pushes when he needs to, he can overtake and can manage his lead when he is in front. I am sure he will approach the race in the right way."
If you were in the same position, with a 10 point lead ahead of the final race, what would be your approach?"I wouldn’t change a thing. I would go to Brazil determined to win, like at every race. For a team, changing your approach is the surest way of making mistakes."
What is your overall opinion of Formula 1 at the moment?"I think it is good for the sport to see a real competition between two drivers, and we have been spoiled this year. I have very much enjoyed this season… and am looking forward to 2007!"
Source Renaultf1
