FEBRUARY 28, 2001

Hill turns car dealer

FORMER world champion Damon Hill has joined an ever-growing band of ex-Formula One stars to join the car sales business.

The 40-year-old Briton quit the track after a disappointing season with Jordan in 1999, and he is now hoping to turn his skills to a new challenge.

He has teamed up with manager Michael Breen and automotive entrepreneur Nick Whale to set up Damon Hill Limited, and the company has taken on a BMW dealership in Warwick.

Hill hopes that his business can capitalize on his name. "Hopefully having my name on the door will symbolize that the company stands for everything I aspired to in my career as a driver," said Hill.

The former driver will be president of the new company and involved with external customer events such as golf and corporate track days.

Hill is continuing a trend of many recently retired Formula One drivers. Former Lotus star Derek Warwick owns a group of Honda garages, while ex-McLaren and Benetton man Martin Brundle also has a string of dealerships.