RACING DRIVER SUES BBC STUDIOS OVER TOP GEAR CRASH

Paul Rees, a racing driver, has filed a claim against BBC Studios seeking up to £150,000 for personal injury sustained during a crash involving presenter Andrew "Freddie" Flintoff while filming Top Gear in December 2022. Court documents filed in December 2025 reveal that Rees was in the passenger seat of an open-topped three-wheeled Morgan Super 3 at the time of the incident at Dunsfold Park Aerodrome in Surrey. The crash had not been publicly known to involve anyone other than Flintoff, who suffered serious facial and rib injuries. Rees provided expert driving advice from the passenger seat during the filming.

According to BBC Studios' legal response, Rees did not report any injuries immediately after or following the crash. The corporation denied negligence and claimed that Rees' "faulty instructions" caused the accident. Court documents indicate that microphones recorded the incident, with Rees telling Flintoff to apply "full power" as the vehicle approached a corner where the front wheel had previously lifted. BBC Studios stated that when the wheel lifted again, the car overturned because Flintoff continued to apply power on Rees' instruction.

Flintoff has described being dragged face-down under the car for approximately 50 metres and stated in a Disney+ documentary that he believed he was dead. He did not leave his house for six months following the crash except for medical appointments. Flintoff reached a compensation settlement with the BBC in 2023. BBC Studios said it disputes the claim and is defending it, adding that it would be inappropriate to comment further whilst the matter remains before the courts.