A grand tour of Top Gear's new celebrity circuit with newbie host Chris Harris
It's being panned from every angle, but 'new' Top Gear has at least one change I think I approve of; the new celebrity challenge circuit.
Gone is the reasonably priced car (aww), but in its place is a new rallycross-style Mini Cooper and a messed around track that now has dirt sections, a splash, and jumps (yay!).
It's a curious change. I assume Mini has tipped some money into the enterprise — probably not wanting their brand to be linked to the 'reasonably priced' moniker, which, in the Suzuki Liana and Chevrolet Lacetti-flavoured beginnings, wasn't exactly displayed with pride.
I'm looking forward to seeing how the celebs adapt to the two surfaces, and naturally the interior camera is going to cut to their likely terrified expressions as they take the jump. Like clockwork.
The attached video of course isn't just about the track and the car. We also get to see Chris Harris in full Harris flight, lobbing the Mini into corners at speeds it has no good business doing, while simultaneously shouting in his distinct tones about his actions.
Episode one sees Jesse Eisenberg and Gordon Ramsay (what a combo) have a crack at the course. Should be ... fun?