Former F1 boss Eddie Jordan 'revving up for Top Gear presenting role'

Updated

Former Formula One boss Eddie Jordan is set to join the new Top Gear presenting team, according to reports.

RadioTimes.com said the Irish commentator is expected to be named as one of the hosts of the new series within days despite not having yet signed a contract, described as a "formality" by show sources to the TV magazine.

Racing driver Sabine Schmitz and journalist Chris Harris are expected to be named as semi-regular presenters alongside other motoring personalities to make up a Top Gear "family" in a pyramid structure with Evans at the top.

Dublin-born Jordan, 67, founded racing team Jordan Grand Prix in 1990 - which he sold in 2005 - and has hosted the BBC's coverage of Formula One.

He was introduced to karting in 1970 in Jersey when he moved there as a bank clerk and started a driving career on his return to Ireland.

He won karting and Formula Ford races but quit after multiple accidents to set up his own team in 1980.

It is hoped he will break major motor sport stories, RadioTimes.com said.

Evans, 49, insisted on having Matt LeBlanc on the team and the decision was supported by BBC Worldwide, the organisation's commercial wing, which is keen to see the show do well abroad, the website said.

The former Friends actor said he had been "ducking paparazzi" since the announcement when he spoke to Chris Evans on his Radio 2 Breakfast Show on Friday.

Le Blanc, 48, said: "I can't believe the response. I mean I knew Top Gear was a big show, but, wow, it was on the front page of The New York Times, did you know that?"

The comedy actor also told Evans he wanted them to be like Joey and Chandler from the American sitcom in a discussion of which comedy double act they will take after.

The pair hinted they would be filming abroad frequently and Evans revealed that they would be going to South Africa, adding: "Do you want to stay at mine because I'll get you a new key cut, or do you want me to look for a place for you?"

LeBlanc set the fastest-ever time in the Star in a Reasonably Priced Car segment on the show in 2012 and was named by Evans on Thursday as the new co-presenter.

Evans was announced as the new face of Top Gear last year, following the high-profile departure of Jeremy Clarkson, whose contract with the BBC was not renewed following a "fracas" with one of the show's producers, Oisin Tymon.

The BBC have not commented on Jordan.

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