Hill steps down as BRDC president

Damon Hill has announced his decision to step down from his role as president of the British Racing Drivers' Club.

Hill has held the position for the past five years and played a monumental part in securing the long-term future of the British Grand Prix.

After a long period in which the Formula One British Grand Prix was at first in danger of not taking place at all and then moving away from Silverstone, Hill played a key role in securing a new 17-year deal for Silverstone to host F1.

Since Hill came in as president, Silverstone which is owned by the BRDC now boasts a new £27million pit and paddock complex and a revised circuit lay-out which improves spectators views at the circuit.

'It has been a great privilege and honour to serve as BRDC President since 2006.' the 1996 Formula One World champion said in a statement quoted in Autosport Magazine.

'As a Club and business, we can be immensely proud of everything we have achieved for British motor sport over the past few years.

'The BRDC and Silverstone face a stable and exciting future, so the timing is right for me to hand over the reins and devote more time to my family, my own interests, and the racing career of our son, Josh. However, I remain a committed Member of the BRDC and look forward to watching the Club go from strength to strength.'

BRDC chairman Stuart Rolt told the BBC: 'I cannot speak highly enough of the superb work Damon has carried out since his appointment as BRDC president, We owe him an immense debt of gratitude for the commitment and energy he has put into being the public face of the Club, and therefore Silverstone, at times of uncertainty and then great optimism.

Former British Formula One racer Derek Warwick has announced that he is interested in taking over as BRDC President.