BBC resumes filming Top Gear after Hammond crash

LONDON, Oct 6 (Reuters) The BBC will start filming a new series of Top Gear, just weeks after co-presenter Richard Hammond was injured during a high-speed crash, the broadcaster said.

Hammond is still recovering from serious brain injuries, suffered in a 300 mph crash in a jet-powered dragster while filming a feature for the popular BBC television programme.

The next series had been due to be shown from October 8 but was postponed after Hammond's accident last month.

Hammond's co-star, Jeremy Clarkson, was filmed yesterday test-driving a Lotus car at Dunsfold Park Aerodrome, in Surrey.

A spokesman for the BBC said the test-drive had been booked before Hammond's crash.

''We are resuming filming parts of the next series that do not involve Richard,'' he said.

''The next series will not be scheduled until we have further news on Richard's progress. We are committed to the future of Top Gear.'' Hammond, 36, is said to be making good progress after being airlifted to hospital following his accident at a disused RAF airfield near York.

He has since shown sufficient progress to be transferred to a hospital nearer his Gloucestershire home.

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