Yes, we’re back!

A damp and rainy day greeted the crew as they returned for series 21 to the top secret Top Gear test track (just off the A281 near Guildford, and now featured in full on Google Street View). But puddles couldn’t quell the excitement in the air, not least from Hammond when he realised that Hugh Bonnevllle, aka Lord Grantham from Downton Abbey, was taking to the track in our Vauxhall Astra Techline. It’s his very favourite television show, you know.

Click on for a glimpse behind the scenes at the making of show one, and we’ll see you on Sunday, 2 February, 8pm as usual on BBC Two…

Pictures: Mark Yeoman / BBC