DAMON HILL'S chances of finding a competitive car to defend a world championship he is still favourite to capture are receding fast.

Hill, on his way out from Williams Renault even if he clinches the crown in Portugal a week tomorrow, discovered another route to the top of the grid blocked last night.

McLaren have followed Ferrari's lead by revealing that their 1997 driver line up will not include Hill, 36 next week, with the Surrey based team opting for Mika Hakkinen to again partner David Coulthard. Hill's last hope of finding a car to challenge for the title may rest with Benetton Renault, but team chief Flavio Briatore has indicated that his current driving duo of Jean Alesi and Gerhard Berger are staying put.

Hill is otherwise likely to end up at either Jordan Peugeot or Stewart Ford, who are unlikely to challenge in their first year. Jordan could also now move for Ralf Schumacher, 21 year old brother of double world champion Michael. Hill could partner his arch rival's younger brother, with Martin Brundle and Rubens Barrichello's places under threat.