BBC assembles team for Top Gear reboot

The BBC has announced the full team for its much-anticipated new Top Gear series.

Describing the upcoming British series as a ‘punchy reboot’ of the long-running motoring show, UK pubcaster the BBC announced the full seven-strong presenter line-up.

From the motor-racing world, former F1 team owner Eddie Jordan will feature, as will German racing driver Sabine Schmitz. She is not the first female presenter on the show, but is the first for 15 years.

Chris Harris, who has a built a following on YouTube as a car reviewer and expert, and car reviewer Rory Reid will also join the team, which is rounded out by The Stig, the test driver who never removes his helmet or reveals his identity.

US star Matt LeBlanc has already been confirmed as Chris Evans’ copresenter.

Speaking about the new team, Evans said: “We really do have a bit of everything for everyone. A fellow lifelong petrolhead from the other side of the pond in Matt; a fearless speed-demon in the irrepressible and effervescent Sabine; the encyclopedic, funny and wonderfully colourful character that is EJ; Chris, one of the world’s top no-nonsense car reviewers; and Rory, who simply blew me away in his audition and fully deserves his place on the team.”

The new series launches in May. BBC Worldwide will present it to buyers next month at its Showcase event in Liverpool, UK.

Details of Amazon’s Top Gear rival series, featuring the former presenting trio from the show, are still under wraps. However, it is understood production on that show got underway, according to a tweet from fomer Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson.

Filming starts gently tomorrow. Then it goes berserk. See you all in Terminal 5.

— Jeremy Clarkson (@JeremyClarkson) February 10, 2016