Passenger in Flintoff's Top Gear Crash Files Lawsuit Against BBC Studios
Paul Rees, a racing driver who was a passenger in the vehicle driven by Andrew "Freddie" Flintoff during a 2022 Top Gear filming crash, is pursuing legal action against BBC Studios. Rees, who provided expert driving advice from the passenger seat, is seeking damages of up to £150,000 for personal injury, according to court documents.
It was previously undisclosed that another individual was present in the open-topped three-wheeled Morgan Super 3 when it overturned during filming. Flintoff sustained serious facial and rib injuries requiring extensive surgery.
BBC Studios, in its legal response, stated that Rees did not report any injuries at the time of the incident or subsequently. The company denied allegations of negligence, asserting that Rees' "faulty instructions" were the cause of the accident.
has reviewed Rees' claim form, filed in December 2025, although the full details of his claim have not yet been made available. Rees, aged 41 and from Oxfordshire, along with his legal representative, have not responded to requests for comment.
Paul Rees is a racing driver and also does filming and stunt driving for TV shows.
Details of the Incident at Dunsfold Park Aerodrome
The court documents provide new insights into the events of the crash, which occurred at Top Gear's test track at Dunsfold Park Aerodrome in Surrey on 13 December 2022.
Microphones inside the vehicle recorded Flintoff expressing concern when the car's front wheel lifted as he navigated a corner. Rees reassured him that the vehicle could not roll over.
As they approached the same corner again, Rees instructed Flintoff to "now turn right... now full power, full power," according to BBC Studios' defence filings.
The documents claim that "a front wheel lifted and because on the claimant's instruction the presenter continued to apply power the Morgan turned over."
Furthermore, the court filing states:
"At no time in the period after the accident did the claimant suggest that he had suffered any injury in the accident."
Flintoff co-hosted Top Gear at the time with Paddy McGuinness and Chris Harris.
BBC Studios' Response and Flintoff's Experience
BBC Studios issued a statement saying:
"We dispute this claim and are defending it. As it's now before the courts, it would be inappropriate to comment further."
Flintoff, a former cricketer turned television personality, was one of three co-hosts of the long-running BBC motoring show at the time of the crash.
He has recounted being dragged face-down underneath the car for approximately 50 metres. In a Disney+ documentary released last year, he said:
"I thought I was dead."
Flintoff also revealed that he did not leave his home for six months following the crash, except to attend medical appointments. He reached a compensation settlement with the BBC in 2023.
Following the incident, the BBC placed Top Gear on hiatus. Reports indicate that the broadcaster has been considering a return of the show.
- Flintoff 'thought he had died' in Top Gear crash
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