Updated
Updated · bbc.co.uk · Jul 12
Paul Rees Sues BBC Studios for £150,000 Over 2022 Top Gear Crash
Updated
Updated · bbc.co.uk · Jul 12

Paul Rees Sues BBC Studios for £150,000 Over 2022 Top Gear Crash

3 articles · Updated · bbc.co.uk · Jul 12

Summary

  • Court documents show racing driver Paul Rees, who was in the passenger seat with Andrew Flintoff, is seeking up to £150,000 for personal injury from the December 2022 Top Gear crash.
  • BBC Studios is contesting the claim, saying Rees reported no injury at the time and alleging his own instructions — including telling Flintoff to take a corner on "full power" — caused the Morgan Super 3 to overturn.
  • The filings newly reveal Flintoff had voiced concern when a front wheel lifted earlier, but Rees allegedly reassured him the three-wheeler could not roll over before the same corner was attempted again.
  • Flintoff suffered severe facial and rib injuries, later said he was dragged about 50 metres under the car, and reached a compensation settlement with the BBC in 2023.
  • The crash led the BBC to rest Top Gear, though reports have said the broadcaster has been exploring a return for the long-running motoring show.

Insights

After a £9M payout to its star, why is BBC Studios fighting a passenger's much smaller £150k injury claim so fiercely?
Can Top Gear be safely rebooted, or are dangerous stunts and severe injuries just part of the show's DNA?