BRITAIN Top Gear star Richard Hammond, who dramatically survived a high speed crash, is in pole position to become the new face of Formula One racing on TV.

He is tipped for the top after the BBC reclaimed the sport in a £200m deal.

ITV decided to dump coverage of Formula One after 12 years, claiming it was not commercially viable.

The channel activated a break clause in its contract with the sport's governing body, Bernie Ecclestone's Formula One Administration.

Ecclestone says the BBC is offering a `fresh face' and a commitment to exploit Formula One across radio, television and digital media during its five-year deal.

Insiders believe that Richard Hammond (pictured), who is nicknamed the Hamster, has a special affinity with both drivers and views after his much publicised crash. Tweet