BACK PAGE: 1999

DAMON HILL was fighting his emotions and the will of his fans ahead of the British Grand Prix.

Britain’s former world champion knew that a 100,000 crowd would be hoping to see him bid farewell to Formula One in the race at Silverstone in early July.

‘‘I’d like to go to Silverstone and do well, but you have to ask if I can,’’ said Hill after a humiliating French Grand Prix ended in retirement and Hill considering quitting the sport immediately.

But following a strong fifth place at his home event, Hill, then aged 39, changed his mind and decided to see out the year.