Jeremy Clarkson and Richard Hammond trade in their super-cars for a nifty speedboat as they rev up for the new series of Top Gear in Venice



Their last international special in Burma sparked a race row which saw co-host Jeremy Clarkson investigated by Ofcom.



But it seems the Top Gear gang have now put the drama - which kicked off in March when the TV favourite used the pejorative word 'slope' in reference to an Asian man crossing a makeshift bridge over the River Kwai - firmly behind them.

Jeremy and his co-star Richard Hammond were spotted filming scenes for an upcoming overseas episode in the beautiful city of Venice, Italy on Sunday.



Gearing up: Jeremy Clarkson and Richard Hammond were spotted filming a new Top Gear special in Venice, Italy on Sunday

Perhaps affected by the stress of the recent incident, Jeremy was seen puffing away on a cigarette as he passed the time in between takes.

Clipboard in hand, the 54-year-old star was ready for action as he attempted to cool off in the scorching sun.

Jeremy and Richard, 44, were later joined by their camera crew as they took to the waters in The Floating City by speedboat.



There was no sign of fellow presenter James May as the motoring experts geared up for what was no doubt set to be another epic race against the clock.

Walkie-talkie in hand, Richard appeared to be orchestrating the final details of the stunt before they picked up speed.

A different perspective: The presenters jetted around Venice by speedboat

Last month, TV watchdog Ofcom ruled that Jeremy had made a racist slur when he declared, 'That is a proud moment - but there is a slope on it', while watching a man of Asian descent crossing a makeshift bridge he had helped construct.



Only two viewers complained that the word 'slope' was an offensive term, but it was ruled the BBC had breached broadcasting rules with the pre-scripted joke.



Executive producer, Andy Wilman, apologised for the use of the term, saying it had been intended as a 'light-hearted word-play joke' and that the team had been unaware the term was considered offensive.



Time out: Jeremy enjoyed a refreshing drink on board the boat

The motoring programme has faced a number of controversies over the years and also prompted complaints from Indian and Mexican politicians over remarks made about their countries while filming on location.



Just weeks after the Burma incident, Jeremy was given a warning by the BBC when previously-unseen footage emerged in which he appeared to use the 'n-word'.



He initially denied the claim but later issued a public apology for chanting the children's rhyme, 'Eeny, meeny, miny, moe... Catch a n***** by his toe' in a scene which was edited out of the show.



Ready for action: Richard and Jeremy ditched the motors and hit the streets of Venice on foot