‘Top Gear’: Matt LeBlanc Stars In James Corden’s ‘Bottom Gear’ Race Amid Falling Ratings

The former 'Friends' star gives his co-host Chris a lesson in responding to critics.

While Chris Evans is busy getting in a tizz over Top Gear’s dwindling ratings, his co-presenter Matt LeBlanc has happily laughed things off, starring in ‘Bottom Gear'. Which is a James Corden skit, obviously.

It’s fair to say that the ‘Top Gear’ reboot hasn’t been a total hit with viewers, but that’s not about to stop the former 'Friends' star from having a good laugh during an appearance on ‘The Late, Late Show With James Corden’.

Wonder if the 'Top Gear' team were there to take notes?
Wonder if the 'Top Gear' team were there to take notes?
YouTube/Late Late Show

The segment saw the duo racing around the studio on small motorbikes, while wearing headcams.

Sadly for the host, he was defeated by the actor-turned-motoring presenter, who sailed past the audience in first place.

‘Top Gear’ will return to screens again this weekend, but so far, viewing figures have been getting progressively worse.

Last week, they hit a low of 2.4million, which the lowest ratings - not just for the current series of ‘Top Gear’ - but also for the show overall in more than a decade. Ouch.

Well… at least it doesn’t work out, James and Matt can pilot this idea properly.

Watch ‘Bottom Gear’ above.

25 March 2015
Barcroft Media via Getty Images
The BBC announces Jeremy Clarkson’s contract will not be renewed, following a fracas involving a cold dinner on location, and a punched producer. "A line has been crossed," said the BBC's statement.
24 April 2015
Matt Jelonek via Getty Images
Richard Hammond joins James May in confirming they won't be back either, the team comes as a trio.
16 June 2015
Alex Huckle via Getty Images
The BBC reveals their Radio 2 breakfast show host Chris Evans will be leading the new team.
30 July 2015
Matt Jelonek via Getty Images
AmazonPrime reveals they’ve signed up Clarkson and co for an online motoring show, with a reported £10million/year package, with the series set to debut later in 2016.
28 November 2015
Frederick M. Brown via Getty Images
Chris Evans reveals the show's debut date of 8 May, with an eight-episode series planned.
22 December 2015
Barcroft via Getty Images
‘Top Gear’ producer Lisa Clark departs the team abruptly, saying she is to "pursue other projects", but wishes the team well.
23 December 2015
Hirz via Getty Images
She is swiftly followed out of the door by script editor Tom Ford.
4 February 2016
Neil Mockford/Alex Huckle via Getty Images
Matt LeBlanc is confirmed as a fellow presenter.
11 February 2016
BBC
Rory Reid, Sabine Schmitz, Chris Harris and Eddie Jordan all confirmed to join.
26 February 2016
Neil Mockford/Alex Huckle via Getty Images
The BBC announces a fresh debut date of 22 May, with six episodes scheduled instead of eight.
19 January 2016
UniversalImagesGroup via Getty Images
BBC Two commissioner Kim Shillinglaw, who has been overseeing the relaunch of the show, announces she will be leaving her role. Due to a re-organisation at the BBC, there will be no one to replace her, meaning Chris Evans will report directly to the Controller of Channels, Jane Moore.
10 February 2016
NBC via Getty Images
Matt LeBlanc confirms that he has signed to a US sitcom 'I'm Not Your Friend', leading to concern that he may have stretched himself too thin for 'Top Gear' duties.
13 March 2016
PA
Veterans complain about the ‘Top Gear’ team filming stunts, creating donut turns and speed dust, in London’s Whitehall, with shots including footage of the country’s most revered war memorial, the Cenotaph.
14 March 2016
Neil Mockford/Alex Huckle via Getty Images
Chris Evans makes a public apology for the team’s actions, while adding, “This isn't a shoot I'm particularly involved in." And takes to wearing pyjamas to work.
31 March 2016
BBC
The show releases its first trailer. Many respond that the footage has become too Americanised, and they miss Jeremy.
12 April 2016
BBC
The show receives a major boost with news that streaming service Netflix has bought rights to distribute the show internationally, thus bringing the new series to a potential 75 million subscribers.
13 April 2016
Neil Mockford/Alex Huckle via Getty Images
The atmosphere on set is said to be “frosty” following Chris Evans’ continuing fury over the Cenotaph stunt.
Apart from that...
BBC
It's all been smooth sailing. We wait for 22 May with bated breath.

Before You Go

LOADINGERROR LOADING
Close

What's Hot