Top Gear presenters' car bursts into flames during filming at Monte Carlo Rally

Chris Harris and Eddie Jordan unharmed as £50,000 sport car catches fire

Chris Harris and Eddie Jordan's car caught fire during the Monte Carlo Rally (PA)

Top Gear presenters Chris Harris and Eddie Jordan escaped without injury after the sports car they were driving burst into flames during filming for the show’s new series.

Harris was behind the wheel of a new £50,000 Alpine sports car with Jordan sat in the passenger seat when the car caught fire during a stage of the Monte Carlo Rally on Monday.

The motoring journalist and 69-year-old former Jordan F1 team boss were able to stop the vehicle immediately and escape as flames emerged from the chassis.

Both the presenters, who were wearing fireproof overalls and gloves at the time, were able to walk away from the incident unscathed.

Mr Harris, 43, said: "I first realised I needed to get out when I opened the door and the flames went up my arm.

"Sadly the car was lost and it always makes me sad to see a beautiful car destroyed."

Mr Jordan added: "Doing a stage of the Monte Carlo Rally was a dream come true for me. The car was stunning - so light on its toes.

"It was dancing around the mountain and Chris was driving it beautifully. It's such a shame we didn't finish the test, but these things happen."

Alpine is now investigating to determine what caused the fire.

A Top Gear spokesman said: "There was an incident during filming in Monaco last Monday morning with an Alpine that led to a fire taking hold of the main vehicle - which Alpine is now investigating.

"Thankfully Chris Harris and passenger Eddie Jordan, both exited the stationary vehicle unhurt."

The BBC Two show, led by Friends star Matt LeBlanc, will return to screens later this year for its 25th series.

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