SBS has posted the videos the winning hosts submitted for the hosting competition. Assuming SBS has some good producers that come up with quality content for these hosts to present, I’m highly hopeful for this edition of Top Gear.

SBS has posted in-depth bios of the new hosts of Top Gear Australia — Charlie Cox, Warren Brown, and Steve Pizzati. They’re worth checking out if you’re interested in the show or the hosts.

The Australian version of Top Gear now has it’s hosts — Motorsport commentator Charlie Cox, cartoonist Warren Brown and driving instructor Steve Pizzati.

Currently a motorsport commentator for the BBC, Cox, 47, is known for his classic one-liners.

He worked in radio in Sydney in the 1980s before moving to the UK where he won several motor racing titles in the 1990s and was involved in a near life-ending crash in 1995.

Brown, in his mid-40s, is best known for his work as a cartoonist and motoring columnist for The Daily Telegraph, but also has a passion for historic cars.

The third host, Steve Pizzati, is the youngest of the bunch, in his mid 30s.

He is an advanced driving instructor, freelance motoring journalist and a race driver for Porsche Australia.

Sydney Morning Herald motoring editor Josh Dowling will act as the motor industry consultant.

So what do you think of their choices for hosts? Leave your comments here.

[Source: NEWS.com.au]

Thanks to tone76 and evan_a for the tips!

As mentioned previously, Australia’s SBS is currently working on creating an Australian version of Top Gear with it’s own presenters and segments.

Well, about a month ago, they started looking for people to host it. So, if you’re in Australia and think you might be the right person for the job, make sure to check that URL out. You’d better hurry though as applications are due in by February 1st!

In other Top Gear Australia news, not everyone is happy with SBS’s investment into producing a localized version of the show, namely actor Chris Haywood.

World first for SBS with local version of Top Gear

Following a major deal with BBC Worldwide, SBS will build on its association with Top Gear — a program that has aired on the network since 2005.

In a world first, SBS has secured the rights to make a local version of the show. It has also extended its commitment to the UK version for the life of the series.

Freehand Productions, BBC Worldwide’s Australasian partner, will produce the local version, which will transmit on SBS in 2008.

“This is fantastic news for SBS, for Top Gear fans and for Australian audiences,” SBS Director of Content, Matt Campbell said.

“Top Gear is a unique show and one of BBC Worldwide’s biggest global properties.
In making it, we won’t simply replicate the UK series with an Australian version of Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond or James May. SBS plans to make a program that is uniquely and quintessentially Australian.”

“It is very exciting for us to have done this deal with SBS,” added Julie Dowding, BBC Worldwide Australasia’s Head of Sales. “We are very proud that the first global deal for a local version of Top Gear has been done here in Australia.”

Top Gear is the BBC’s top-rating, high-octane mix of performance cars, adrenalin, comedy and celebrities. It test drives and brutally appraises the world’s most popular cars with startling honesty — along with celebrity laps, irreverent wraps and breathtaking stunts and driving.

Top Gear host Jeremy Clarkson said: “I’m delighted that Top Gear is going to Australia. Maybe the first guest could be Jonny Wilkinson.”

Debate is high on our forums as to whether it’ll be any good, but even if it’s not, note that SBS will continue showing episodes of the show for the life of the series which of course is a good thing for our Australian friends.

[Source: eBroadcast Australia]