Top Gear race track to remain intact amid Aerodrome development

Virgin Radio

16 May 2023, 13:47

The Top Gear test track used by Top Gear will remain intact as work takes place on Dunsfold Aerodrome, despite reports it is being bulldozed.

It was reported on Tuesday morning (16th May) that the track, which had been used by Top Gear fro two decades, was being dug up to make room for a housing estate. This lead to speculations the motoring show would be coming to end, particularly as co-host Freddie Flintoff recovers from serious injuries sustained while filming the show.

However, it seems this might not be the case as RadioTimes.com reports the Top Gear track would not be affected by developments at the Aerodrome in the short-term.

According to the publication, the racetrack is expected to remain fully intact and operational for at least the next few years and construction will take place at the opposite end of the airfield.

It sounds like this does not spell the end of Top Gear after all!

However, production on the motoring show has come to a halt for the foreseeable future as Flintoff recovers.

The co-host was involved in a crash that saw him flip a three-wheel Morgan Super 3 car on the test track in December 2022.

Since then, the BBC has said Flintoff’s recovery has been a priority and they would not be pushing forward with production on the show.

In a statement, they said: “Under the circumstances, we feel it would be inappropriate to resume making series 34. We have sincerely apologised to Freddie and will continue to support him with his recovery.

“We understand this [halting the show] will be disappointing for fans, but it is the right thing to do, and we'll make a judgement about how best to continue later this year."

It’s not clear when we will see Flintoff back on our screens but a report by The Times suggests it’s unlikely he’ll be back in the driver’s seat for a very long time.

An insider told the publication: "Freddie has been seriously emotionally and physically affected by the crash. He is a daredevil, that's what he does, and he doesn't feel like he is able to continue to play that role on the show."

All of us here at Virgin Radio wish Freddie the best in his recovery.