Top Gear takes on Blackpool weather as filming begins

Top Gear presenters Chris Evans (left) and Matt LeBlanc filming time trials for the new series along the Lower Walk (Promenade) in Blackpool. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Saturday February 20, 2016. Photo credit should read: Joe Giddens/PA Wire

After a gruelling 13-hour journey to get here, the new Top Gear team then had to battle Blackpool weather as they began filming for the upcoming series.

Chris Evans and Matt Le Blanc drove from London to Blackpool yesterday in open-top reliant Robins.

The journey ended up taking 13 hours after a series of problems including a break-down near Wolverhampton.

Today the team began filming a series of races and stunts on Blackpool’s sea front.

Top Gear presenter Chris Evans during filming for the new series along the Lower Walk (Promenade) in Blackpool. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Saturday February 20, 2016. Photo credit should read: Joe Giddens/PA Wire

The challenges were labelled as ‘GB v USA’ and included racing an American Jeep and a British Land Rover along the sands.

Lashing rain and strong winds battered the team as they worked, but it didn’t seem to dampen the spirits of Evans, who declared: “Blackpool is so brilliantly British today.”

He and his American co-star also took time out from filming to meet fans and pose for selfies.

Reader Charlotte Haslam said: “Braved the weather to meet Chris Evans, he was lovely, and Matt Le Blanc.”

Filming will continue tomorrow, and possibly in to Monday.