Motor Racing: Hill has a chance to satisfy the British appetite for success: As Williams dominate on the track, governing body is to consider allegations of irregularities in fuel

LITTLE wonder the authorities are worried. The French Grand Prix may have been a testimony to the brilliance of Williams-Renault, but it also served to confirm the fears that Formula One is heading for a long, predictable and tedious second half of the season.

Arguments about cost and sporting ethos have been made in the protracted, often acrimonious debate over technological driver aids, but the undercurrent of concern is that another world championship is to be devoured by one team and that, unless drastic measures are taken, there may be no prospect of giving some of the others a chance.

It is not unusual to have a team dominate, yet in the past that team has generally fielded two drivers pursuing the title. Williams themselves staged heroic battles between Nelson Piquet and Nigel Mansell, while McLaren gave us the Alain Prost v Ayrton Senna epic.

The downside of such a scenario is that civil war tends to break out, the camp becomes split and it all ends in tears. Can you really blame Williams if they opt for a peaceful life, secure in the knowledge that the drivers' and constructors' crowns should come their way in any case? The various nods and winks, particularly in Magny-Cours this weekend, must lead us to conclude that Williams have everything neatly tied up.

Prost is the obvious No 1, Damon Hill a No 2 grateful to be driving the best car in grand prix racing. As long as the sun shines, Senna and the rest are likely to remain at a safe distance and Prost will duly collect his fourth championship.

Williams were so far ahead of the rest on Sunday, it appeared they were able to control not only the pace at the front but also the finishing order.

There is another possible danger to Prost and Williams. Fisa, the governing body, is to consider alleged irregularities in the fuel used by the Anglo- French team and has the power to deduct points. Cynics might take the view that this is an opportunity for the authorities to level the playing field and spice up the show for the remainder of the season.

The very notion is naturally dismissed by those in power. Max Mosley, the president of Fisa, stresses that in all matters relating to regulations the verdicts will be 'fair and reasonable'. Williams have, however, had their skirmishes with Fisa in recent times and the team's principal, Frank Williams, insists he is apprehensive.

Attendances in general have so far stood up reasonably well considering the state of play and the continuing effects of the worldwide recession, though significant tests will come this Sunday, at Silverstone, scene of the British Grand Prix.

Bookings post-Mansell are down, and that is inevitable. There were attempts to dress up the production in Magny-Cours by parading the drivers before the race in open-top vintage cars. 'That was good for the fans, and I enjoyed it,' Prost said. 'We should do this kind of thing at all the races, to help improve the show.'

Ultimately it is racing the paying public want to see. Williams, as in the past two years, ought to follow up victory in France with success at Silverstone. The indications are that both their drivers will be allowed to compete for first prize. Hill knows this circuit better than any other and no script could give him a more satisfying maiden win than on home ground. Prost, on the other hand, is anxious to consolidate his championship lead. He has a 12-point advantage over Senna and, in this game, anything can happen. Hill could give a desperately needed fillip to Formula One and, in particular, to British racing. Mansell has built up an appetite which needs sustenance.

The recent performances of the Ligier-Renault team offer further encouragement. Martin Brundle has had better fortune than his partner and compatriot, Mark Blundell, of late, and he is hoping the power of his V10 engine will compensate for the lack of testing data from the Northamptonshire circuit.

These are difficult times for other British drivers, Derek Warwick (Footwork-Mugen) and Johnny Herbert (Lotus-Ford). However, as the optimist in them will tell you, they can always find something extra at home, so perhaps their luck will change this weekend.