Third generation Hill quits racing

Josh Hill, son of 1996 Formula 1 champion Damon, has decided to quit racing at the age of 22 and is looking for other career options.

Josh's surprising decision comes at a time when he is lying 10th in the Formula 3 European Championship.

"I do not want to compete unless I am 100 percent devoted," Josh, who is also the grandson of two-time F1 champion Graham Hill, posted on Twitter Tuesday.

He wrote: "Thanks for all the support you've given me, it means the world. But I feel like my future lies elsewhere."

It was only in February that the Surrey based driver got a taste of India. Josh competed in the final round of MRF Challenge in Chennai and won a race on debut ahead of Jordan King and Conor Daly, who had more experience of the championship.

His current move has left his Euro F3 team in a spot of bother.

"Damon phoned me and said that Josh has decided to stop and pursue other options. We're gutted about it and really disappointed, and obviously surprised, and it's a great shame because he was making such good progress," Fortec team principal Richard Dutton was quoted as saying by Autosport.

Among his other racing endeavours, Josh drove alongside upcoming Indian driver Shahaan Engineer. The two raced for UK-based Fortec in the 2012 Formula Renault 2.0 Northern European Cup where Josh finished third behind King.

His family name also helped him race in places like New Zealand.

On being asked how it is to be a 'Hill', Josh told IANS on his India visit: "It sometimes gets quite surreal. I was racing in New Zealand and everyone got so excited after getting to know about my background. Anyway, it is an honour to be born in such a family."