On the day when Estonian embassies and consular offices around the world start accepting requests for e-resident digital identification cards, the Estonian Embassy in London disclosed that the famous and controversial former Top Gear host Clarkson has decided to become an Estonian e-resident.

Clarkson is not the first British journalist trying out the first supranational e-residency scheme in the world – The Economist's senior editor Edward Lucas became the first “digital resident” last December. However, Clarkson is the most prominent one so far and is likely to draw more attention to the ambitious plan which lets non-citizens use Estonia’s digital services online around the world.

Clarkson approached Estonian Embassy in London after hearing about the e-residency scheme from Ott Tänak, the Estonian rally driver who tested the new Ford supercar e-RS in Dunsfold Aerodrome, UK.

“I bumped into this chap from Estonia at Dunsfold while we were having more fun on the test track than the entire French air force crashing into a firework factory – and he told me that anyone can become an e-resident of this bloody country,” Clarkson explained to ERR News.

“Now, I have been in Estonia and you have a hell of a fun, long ice road there – I mean, how genius is that? I'm currently looking to set up a base for my collection of massive snow ploughs and your country sounds like my cup of tea for the purpose. So here comes Jezza!” Clarkson exclaimed.

Clarkson refused to specify the date when he starts conducting business affairs in Estonia. According to the new rules, people no longer have to travel to Estonia and go to the Police and Border Guard office here, but can collect their e-resident's ID-card from the nearest Estonian embassy.