Evans will be joined by Sabine Schmitz and Chris Harris, says The Telegraph. While they’re not exactly household names, the pair are very familiar to car fans. Automotive journalist Harris is primarily known for his YouTube videos, while Schmitz has a reputation as the queen of the Nürburgring, and previously appeared on Top Gear. She coached former host Jeremy Clarkson around the ‘Ring in a diesel Jaguar S-Type, then tried to beat him in a Ford Transit van, and appeared in a Top Gear vs. The Germans special.
Schmitz and Harris will also reportedly be joined by former Formula One driver David Coulthard. While all three definitely have the requisite car knowledge and driving skills, The Telegraph claims the producers are uneasy. Schmitz and Harris aren’t well known by the wider public, and some involved with the show reportedly believe Coulthard lacks on-screen charisma.
The new show’s executive producer, Linda Clark, also recently left after just five months on the job. She had replaced Andy Wilman, who left with Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May in the mass exodus last year. Clarkson was fired after he punched a producer, and the other hosts left along with him. The BBC quickly worked to relaunch Top Gear with Evans, a certified car fanatic in his own right.
The ousted Top Gear hosts will make a rival car show for Amazon Prime. Amazon reportedly paid around $250 million for 36 episodes over three years, outbidding Netflix and Apple for the trio. Rumors that the show will be called “Gear Knobs” remain unconfirmed. It’s expected to premier sometime next year.
