Former world champion Damon Hill is on the verge of a return to motorsport as president of the British Racing Drivers' Club.

Hill, son of two-time world champion Graham, has been nominated to succeed Sir Jackie Stewart as president of the BRDC, who own the Silverstone circuit.

Stewart, a three-time champion, stands down this month after six years at the helm.

The Scotsman plans to hand the role over to 1996 champion Hill, who has been out of the motorsport limelight since his retirement in 1999.

"I hope the members give Damon their full support in working with the board in the best interests of the club," said Stewart.

"Damon, like his father Graham, is a shining example of excellence from a family absolutely steeped in motor racing. I wish him all success in the future."

Board chairman Stuart Rolt added: "The democratic decision on electing a president lies with our membership - but I have no doubt there will be popular support within the club for Damon to succeed Sir Jackie.

"As a Formula One world champion himself, he will take on the prestige that exists in the position of president of the BRDC as an ambassador for UK motorsport.

"Damon will also symbolise the passing on of the presidency to a younger generation, which will send out an encouraging message to our newer and younger members who must take up the reins of leadership of the club in the future."

Should Hill be voted in as president he will face an immediate problem over the future of Silverstone, home of the British Grand Prix.

Stewart intended his last act as president to be a deal which secured funding for redevelopment of the Northamptonshire circuit, including hotels and restaurants as well as a new pit lane.

But those plans have met resistance from BRDC members unhappy with the plan to lease Silverstone to property developers for 150 years in order to fund the project.

The BRDC board face a vote of no-confidence over the issue after refusing to put proposal to a vote at a heated extraordinary general meeting.