I think it's growing on me - I enjoyed this week's programme.
But I can't help thinking CE is better suited to radio, or a more chaotic live format which I doubt the Beeb would risk for Top Gear!
Very impressed with Matt - he's a better presenter than CE, and his choice of a GoldWing for the Venice trip was inspired!
Not sure why EJ is on there, unless he thinks his days on C4 for Grand Prix coverage are drawing to a close (hopefully!) and he needs a new income stream. They could have put anyone on the train - why not pick a viewer or have a competition?
Sabine is an amazing driver, but not the best presenter. I've worked with Germans in the past and they have all had a sense of humour, but her attempts just look a bit forced.
I knew Chris Harris would be great - read his writings in Autocar years ago as well as his articles and videos on P*stonheads. He's pretty handy at the wheel as well!
Rory also works well as a presenter - he comes across as genuinely interested!
Not very keen on the Star in a Rallycross car - do one at a time in half the time and it may be better. Then they don't have to feed each other's ego!
Why not do Viewer in a Rallycross car - that would be much more spectacular! Either pick one from those who get tickets or have a competition for a place!
Oh and as a Christmas special why not put Sabine, Chris Harris and the Stig in identical cars on a track for a race? Or enter them as a team in an endurance race - that would be compelling viewing (well for me anyway)!
Anyway overall it has turned out much better than I feared it might! Hope it continues that way!