Latest news with #DunsfoldAerodrome
ArabGT
20-05-2025
- Automotive
- ArabGT
James May and Richard Hammond Take a Farewell Spin at the Top Gear Track
Years after bidding farewell to Top Gear, Richard Hammond and James May returned to the show's most iconic filming location—Dunsfold Aerodrome—for one emotional last drive. For automotive fans, Top Gear holds a special place in television history. With its blend of humor, epic adventures, and car reviews, the chemistry between Jeremy Clarkson, James May, and Richard Hammond turned it into a global phenomenon. Although the BBC series ended rather suddenly, the trio quickly launched The Grand Tour on Amazon, keeping the spirit alive in a new format. Yet, nothing quite matches the charm of the original Top Gear test track. Located at the Dunsfold Aerodrome in Surrey, England, the 1.9-mile circuit became synonymous with the show. While the studio segments were filmed indoors, the real excitement took place out on this converted airstrip. From power laps to crazy stunts, it served as the heartbeat of the show's action. Since 2002, Dunsfold had been home to countless legendary moments. However, redevelopment plans announced in 2018 cast doubt over its future. While parts of the site are now under construction for housing, reports suggest the track will remain in use at least until 2026, giving fans a few more years to celebrate its legacy. In a touching tribute, Hammond and May reunited at Dunsfold to drive one final lap together—this time behind the wheel of the Porsche Taycan Turbo GT. This high-performance electric sedan, known for its blistering speed and futuristic engineering, was a symbolic choice. It not only showcased the evolution of automotive technology but also honored the deep connection between the presenters and the place where it all began. The lap was part of a nostalgic feature on Drivetribe, where the duo reflected on their favorite memories and shared heartfelt stories from their Top Gear days. Though both Top Gear and The Grand Tour have shifted into new formats—focusing on annual feature-length specials—their legacy remains powerful. Watching the video evokes a bittersweet feeling. While we miss the chaos and laughter of the original series, there's comfort in seeing the presenters revisit the track one last time. In many ways, this final drive feels like the ending the show deserved—a quiet, poignant farewell on the stretch of tarmac where legends were made. Watch the video:
Metro
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Paddy McGuinness 'believes he deserved Top Gear pay out' after Flintoff crash
Paddy McGuinness reportedly believes he deserved a pay out after Top Gear was taken off air by the BBC. The long-running series, which first aired in 1977 and has seen the likes of Angela Rippon, Jeremy Clarkson and Matt LeBlanc as hosts, was canned following Freddie Flintoff's horror crash in 2022. The pro cricket player, 47, suffered a near-fatal crash when the open-top vehicle he was driving flipped and he was dragged for 50 metres underneath the car face down on the track. He was airlifted to a hospital from Dunsfold Aerodrome in Surrey with severe facial and rib injuries and was said to be 'lucky to be alive'. Months later, after speculation over the future of the show, the BBC announced Top Gear would be taken off air for the foreseeable future. The broadcaster confirmed it would be pausing production on the hit motoring series, co-presented by former Take Me Out host, Freddie and automotive journalist Chris Harris, as it was felt it would be 'inappropriate', adding there would be a health and safety review. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video It was later revealed that Freddie reached a settlement with the BBC worth £9,000,000, after he was forced to miss out on two years of earnings while he recovered. However, it's now been claimed Paddy, 51, also believed he should have received a sum. A source told Mail Online: 'Paddy was moaning because he had lost his job, the show went so really it was a case of him being made redundant. 'It was a big income for him and suddenly it was gone after Freddie's accident. 'He couldn't understand why he didn't get a pay out, I guess you can see his point. Freddie did get one but he was so badly injured. 'His life changed, he didn't leave the house for months and months and while it was sad for Paddy that his job had gone, he did go on to find other work.' Paddy and Chris went on to front a new BBC show, Paddy and Chris: Road Tripping, while Freddie remained out of the spotlight for months as he recovered. He's now sharing his healing journey and recalling the horrific accident in a Disney Plus documentary. Flintoff sees the star's rise to becoming the world renowned cricketer he is, with clips showing him as a teenager and through his sporting years, as well as reflecting on the physical and mental scars he's been left with after the crash. In the documentary, Freddie opened up about his former Top Gear co-hosts Chris and Paddy, after the latter revealed in March 2024 that they hadn't spoken in 10 months. He explained that they 'had been in contact', recalling a recent meet-up that he had with Chris. 'He got a bit upset, I got a bit upset. It was really nice to see him. And I feel bad I haven't been more in contact, with him and Paddy. I think there's some comments on Paddy a while ago saying 'I've not spoke to him, I've not done this that or the other,'' Freddie said. 'And part of it is, for myself a little bit. Do you know what I mean? I hate the word 'triggering' but I'm worried about that.' He continued: 'It's also something [that] stopped in some ways because of what happened to me. Their careers have been altered as well, so I feel, not guilty, but I feel bad for them. And also it's like, what happened gets dragged up enough in my own head without adding to that.' More Trending Early last year, Paddy also admitted he hadn't spoken to Freddie in a while, saying on Good Morning Britain: 'He's all right. I've not spoken to him for a while, but, you know, he is getting on with it. 'He's a very resilient character, is Fred. So I've no doubt he'll be right as rain.' Metro has approached Paddy McGuinness' reps for comment. View More » Flintoff is available to stream on Disney Plus. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: I think Freddie Flintoff's facial scars look cool – they're just like mine MORE: Jack Whitehall confirms he suffered from serious disorder at beginning of TV career MORE: Nothing could prepare me for Freddie Flintoff's no-holds-barred documentary
