The 48-year-old has appeared on the motoring show as a guest several times and holds the track record for fastest celebrity in the star in a reasonably priced car slot.
Hey everyone,I’m really honored and looking forward to working on Top Gear with @achrisevans , damn he’s tall. pic.twitter.com/XGrcLP0NCl
— Matt LeBlanc (@Matt_LeBlanc)
February 4, 2016
Racing driver Sabine Schmitz and journalist Chris Harris are expected to be named as semi-regular presenters alongside other motoring personalities to make up a Top Gear “family” in a pyramid structure with Evans at the top.
Jordan was introduced to karting in 1970 in Jersey when he moved there as a bank clerk and started a driving career on his return to Ireland.
He won karting and Formula Ford races but quit after multiple accidents to set up his own team in 1980.
@Matt_LeBlanc Welcome but hurry up. You’re late for the weekly TG production meeting. pic.twitter.com/KhNpsEyZI6
— Chris Evans (@achrisevans)
February 4, 2016
Speaking to Chris Evans on his Radio 2 Breakfast Show, LeBlanc said he had been “ducking paparazzi” since the announcement.
“I can’t believe the response. I mean I knew Top Gear was a big show, but, wow, it was on the front page of The New York Times, did you know that?”
I love the show. Should be fun. https://t.co/1xgXipEfOr
— Matt LeBlanc (@Matt_LeBlanc)
February 4, 2016
The new show is expected to film around the world, starting in South Africa.
Evans was announced as the show’s new host last year after Jeremy Clarkson’s contract was not renewed following a “fracas” with one of the show’s producers, Oisin Tymon.
The BBC has declined to comment on Jordan’s rumoured appointment.