Ex-‘Top Gear’ trio to host new car show for Amazon Prime

Former Top Gear presenters Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May have agreed to front a new motoring show – but not on the BBC.

In March, the BBC said Clarkson’s contract would not be renewed for next year, though the British network said it would seek to renew “Top Gear” for 2016. Our approach is to give programme makers creative freedom to be innovative and make the shows they want to make. On Clarkson’s departure from the cast, his two co-hosts James May and Richard Hammond and executive producer Andy Wilman quit.

May added: “We have become part of the new age of smart TV”. Ironic, isn’t is?’ quipped James May.

This is a huge win for Amazon and its video streaming service, as Netflix (NFLX – Analyst Report) was believed to be the frontrunner in the race to sign the Top Gear team.

Amazon Instant Video tweeted Thursday, “We’ve got a brand new ride” in announcing the trio have signed for three seasons on the unnamed vehicle show, which will premiere on Amazon Prime in 2016.

Whilst Hammond added jokingly, “Amazon?”

In June, the BBC replaced Clarkson with radio host Chris Evans and today (July 30) revealed that Pett Television founder Lisa Clark has been tapped to exec produce the rebooted program.

While “Top” was on the air for decades, the show went through a revamp in 2002, eventually becoming the most-viewed factual show worldwide.

The new show could strengthen Amazon’s hand in the increasingly competitive market. I have already been there. “Forrrrwaaaaaaaard!!” Hammond wrote on Twitter to announce the news.

Amazon said the new production would be joining its existing collection of “ground-breaking original shows”. It has not yet revealed the name of the upcoming show.