Damon Hill praises Brands Hatch as circuit celebrates centenary

Summarised from BBC Kent's report · Updated 9 Oct, 11:31 · Archive

Former Formula One world champion Damon Hill has paid tribute to Brands Hatch as the circuit marks 100 years.

Former Formula One world champion Damon Hill has described Brands Hatch as 'one of the great circuits of all time' as the West Kingsdown venue celebrates its centenary. Hill said he had a connection with the circuit stretching back almost his entire life, recalling his father Graham Hill giving him a small motorbike there as a reward for passing his 11-plus examination. He said the gift changed his life, and he rode the motorbike extensively in fields near the family's weekend cottage near Ashford.

Hill visited Brands Hatch throughout the 1960s and 1970s, both to race and to watch his father compete in the Grand Prix held there. His father died in a plane crash in 1975 when Hill was aged 15, but he continued his motorsport career. Hill raced at Brands Hatch extensively, becoming Champion of Brands in 1984 while racing motorcycles. He went on to become Formula One world champion in 1996 and won 22 Grands Prix during his career.

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• Damon Hill pays tribute as Brands Hatch turns 100The Formula One world champion recalls his lifelong connection to circuit as it marks 100 years.BBC Kent · 9 Oct, 06:10

In this story: Damon Hill · Graham Hill · Brands Hatch · West Kingsdown

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