Ready to hit ‘Top Gear’

Top Gear presenters Chris Evans and Matt LeBlanc have kicked off filming the first episode of the new show with a trip to Blackpool.

The duo were photographed in Reliant Robins, one emblazoned with an American flag and the other a British one, as they embarked on their adventure from BBC’s Broadcasting House in London.

Evans announced former Friends actor LeBlanc would be joining the presenting panel earlier this month. Also joining the line-up is Formula 1 commentator Eddie Jordan, German racing driver Sabine Schmitz, motoring journalist Chris Harris and car reviewer Rory Reid.

LeBlanc t weeted ahead of filming, calling the Top Gear crew a “great group of lunatics” and adding: “We start filming in the morning. I’m pumped.”

The duo are set to race

“We really do have a bit of everything for everyone”

some 230-plus miles to Blackpool in t heir Robins.

The show's trusty sidekick The Stig will also return.

Following the announcement of the new line-up, Evans said: “We really do have a bit of everything for everyone.

“A fellow lifelong petrolhead from the other side of the pond in Matt; a fearless speed demon in Sabine; the encyclopaedic character that is EJ; Chris, one of the world’s top no-nonsense car reviewers; and Rory, whoblewme away in his audition and fully deserves his place on the team.”

Schmitz is the show’s first female presenter in 15 years. She said: “I grew up next to the Nurburgring and have been racing for most of my life, so the chance to combine driving and filming was too good to pass up.”