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Motorsport and High Performance Engineering News
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- FUTURE OF THE HONDA RACING F1 TEAM SECURED
- Comment on today’s Honda F1 news
- Silverstone unveils dynamic modifications to circuit layout
- Grand Prix Racewear under new management
- Damon Hill honoured by University of Northampton
- RML Win Business of the Year Award
- MIA secures UK government assistance package for motorsport industry
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Damon Hill honoured by University of Northampton
Former Formula One World Champion Damon Hill had no trouble driving on the ice to pick up his honorary award from the University of Northampton yesterday.
The president of the British Racing Drivers' Club, and Rupert Goold, former artistic director at the Royal and Derngate, both attended winter graduation ceremonies to be honoured for their work and links to Northamptonshire.
The presentation of the fellowships took place in front of thousands of students in the Derngate theatre, who also received their degrees and certificates.
Damon Hill, who was first to receive his award, said: "I was not someone that was earmarked for an academic career so to be standing there and honoured is truly astounding.
"It has taken me up until today to recognise that we learn all the time and we don't stop learning. Since I stopped racing, I haven't stopped being interested in things."
He said now was an important time to draw on applied sciences, particularly within the diversification of Silverstone after losing the Formula One Grand Prix to Donnington.
Mr Hill said he hoped the track would focus less on events with plans to develop a university centre at Silverstone as part of the blueprint for expansion.
Rupert Goold, whose current shows include Oliver! and King Lear, described Northampton as "deep in his DNA" when he took to the stage where he directed shows for five years.
Mr Goold, pictured left, who still has a house in Northampton, said: "I have always thought Northampton, when I arrived, seemed to have a low self-esteem but I found incredible warmth in Northampton and I am sure that still remains. Northampton taught me how to be a little bit more professional and it also taught me about lots of art forms."
The pair joined the ranks of honorary fellows at the University of Northampton including comedian Hugh Dennis and radio presenter Jo Whiley.
Ann Tate, vice-chancellor, congratulated the graduates and said: "It is pleasing to note a growing number of graduates are choosing to stay in Northampton and this is especially the case for most of the graduates today.
"The university is seeking every opportunity to ensure we support businesses and small enterprises in all that we do."
