Top Gear China buckles up its hosts for a high-octane series from BBC Worldwide

BBC Worldwide, together with Honyee Media, production partner for Top Gear China, unveiled the three hosts for the Chinese version of the popular show Top Gear. Actor, singer and professional racer Ren Xianqi (Richie Jen), famous TV host and Golden Microphone Award winner, Cheng Lei, and twice Olympic diving gold medallist and actor, Tian Liang, will lead Top Gear China from 5th November, when it premieres. 

The China version will mirror the UK show's irreverent humour and camaraderie between the three presenters, epic races, outrageous stunts and challenges, unique celebrity guest participation and eccentric methods of testing cars.

"This franchise is a proven winner worldwide and the hosting team of Richie Jen, Cheng Lei and Tian Liang that have come together for the China version offers a perfect match of humour, insider know-how and priceless track experience," said Pierre Cheung, VP and GM, BBC Worldwide, Greater China. "With Honyee Media, we are going to create a high-powered show that, like the original, will keep viewers of all ages clutching the edge of their seats.”

“We are very excited about the three hosts,” said Mier Ai, CEO of Honyee Media.  “We are confident that our audiences will enjoy the adventures they embark on together will get up to together. They share an undoubtedly special chemistry.”

The series went into production in late July.  It will premiere in early November on satellite broadcaster, Shanghai Dragon TV and on OTT platform, iQIYI.com. Shanghai Dragon TV currently ranks third on the most watched satellite broadcaster chart in Q1 of 2014 and iQIYI.com, is China’s most popular online video portal recording over 345 million desktop users and over 127 million mobile users per month.