Matt LeBlanc: ‘Chris Evans and I are not at war’

As a result, finding the right team to replace the iconic trio was presumably hard enough – but with alleged problems relating to new presenter Chris Evans being rallied around the press – without confirmation – the BBC is hoping to pull off something truly spectacular.

Hired by the BBC to co-present the show with Evans following Jeremy Clarkson’s axing past year, LeBlanc said: “I didn’t anticipate the ruthlessness of the British press”.

The show returns to screens this Sunday and speaking at the launch event at Dunsfold Aerodrome in Surrey, Evans described LeBlanc as his “wing man”. Ross or Joey? According to the Radio Times, Matt LeBlanc may reunite with some of his Friends co-stars on Top Gear. Some bystanders complained after co-host Matt LeBlanc and a professional driver were seen performing “doughnuts” in the street nearby. I think this will be a different show. “If they can capture a fraction of this on the screen, it will be the best show that’s been on TV”. “He never looks at his watch or says ‘Can we go?'”. Really on it, gung ho.

Who would win in a vehicle race? I’ve gone over 200mph, but for me cars are more about the aesthetic.

Are the crew getting back together again? “I can’t do that”.

Putting those cars to the test alongside Evans and LeBlanc will be German racer Sabine Schmitz and motoring journalist Rory Reid among others. “That’s my background. I’m always pitching jokes”.

I’m not going to pretend I do all my own stunts. “I’ve had an unbelievable and insane few months since joining Top Gear”. That doesn’t mean I want to be absolutely so much better. “If something calls for real precision driving, I let someone else do it”.