Top Gear looks doomed as bulldozers move in to turn legendary set into new-build estate after horror Flintoff smash
TV’S Top Gear looks doomed after bulldozers started digging up the test track where co-host Andrew Flintoff suffered his horrifying crash.
Exclusive pictures show developers turning Dunsfold Aerodrome, Surrey, into a huge housing estate.
The show was halted after Flintoff was seriously-injured at 124mph in December, and fans fear it may never return.
An insider said: “Allowing the site to be sold off is a damning statement for the series’ future.”
Our photos show diggers tearing apart Top Gear’s official track — sparking fears for the show’s future.
Scores of stars have raced the clock and the BBC’s in-house driver The Stig at Dunsfold Park Aerodrome.
Bosses put filming there on hold while co-host Freddie Flintoff recovers from serious injuries in a 124mph crash at the Surrey raceway last December.
They have now accepted the 600-acre site near Cranleigh is to be dismantled for a housing estate.
Aerial shots show developers have already begun the groundworks.
JCBs are digging trenches for pipework, while areas of the track are fenced off.
There have been plans to turn the site into a 2,600-home village with school and community facilities since 2005.
An insider told The Sun: “Dunsfold is synonymous with Top Gear, it’s a huge part of the show.
“But allowing the site to be sold off, is a damning statement for the series’ future.
“There’s been mounting pressure for some years for the aerodrome site to be regenerated, but attempts have been resisted.
“But after Freddie’s crash there’s a feeling that perhaps it’s time to put the show to bed and avoid any more potentially-devastating crashes.
“It’s a real blow for fans.”
The Canadian army built Dunsfold in World War Two and it was later used by British Aerospace.
The 1.75km figure-eight test track was designed by Lotus as a testing facility for its Formula 1 team.
It has been the main site of Top Gear since its 2002 relaunch.
Actor Sir Michael Gambon had the last corner, No8, named in his honour after he damaged a Suzuki Liana there during the Star in a Reasonably-Priced Car challenge in December 2002.
Corner 5, where drivers hurtle flat out towards a tyre wall, is named The Follow-Through.
Hollywood stars including Tom Cruise, Ryan Reynolds and Michael Fassbender have all competed.
Actress Cameron Diaz clocked a fastest lap time of one minute, 45.2 secs in a Ford Kia Cee in 2010.
Comic Jack Whitehall took a minute, 54.5 seconds in 2014 – the first time he had ever driven alone.
Pop star Ed Sheeran managed a minute, 54.3 in 2015 despite not having a licence.
However, filming at Dunsfold was halted following Flintoff’s crash in a three-wheel Morgan Super 3 car in December.
The ex-England cricketer, 45 — who hosts with Paddy McGuinness and Chris Harris — is still recovering from his injuries.
He has yet to comment on the accident.
Son Corey, 17, described the crash as “pretty nasty,” adding: “We are all shocked but just hope he’s going to be OK.”
Freddie was last seen in April when he was pictured in shades being driven by wife Rachael.
The Sun revealed earlier this month that he is likely to be off TV until next year.
He had been due to film a unnamed project for BBC2, where vehicle owners bring in bangers to be restored in a show similar to The Repair Shop.
Ex-Top Gear host Richard Hammond suffered serious injuries at another of the show’s tracks — Elvington Airfield, North Yorkshire.
He was travelling at over 300mph in the jet-powered Vampire Dragster when it blew a tyre, shot off the road and rolled upside down.
After being cut free from the vehicle, he spent five weeks recovering in hospital, two weeks of which he was in a coma.
Dunsfold has also featured in James Bond film Casino Royale and video game Gran Turismo.
Show's hell of a ride
1977: Angela Rippon and Tom Coyne present the first episode of Top Gear, initially on BBC One Midlands.
1988: Jeremy Clarkson takes over, bringing viewing figures from a hundred thousand to millions.
1999: Clarkson leaves and the ratings take a hit.
2001: Show is cancelled.
2002: BBC relaunches Top Gear with Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and later James May.
2006: Hammond seriously injured in crash filming.
2015: Clarkson suspended by the BBC over a “fracas” with a producer. Trio depart to Amazon Prime to launch The Grand Tour.
2016: Chris Evans, Matt LeBlanc and Chris Harris front new Top Gear.
2019: Freddie Flintoff and Paddy McGuinness take over from Chris Evans and Matt LeBlanc.