What Jeremy Clarkson said to new Top Gear host

Chris Evans is the new host of Top Gear. Photo/ AP

Newly-appointed Top Gear presenter Chris Evans has revealed Jeremy Clarkson was among the first to congratulate him on getting the job.

Evans, 49, has long been tipped to take over the driving seat of the flagship BBC show after Clarkson was sacked for punching one of the show's producers in a row over steak.

The flame-haired presenter had repeatedly ruled himself out of the running, but it was revealed this week he has signed a three-year contract to head a new presenting line-up.

Evans told his listeners on his BBC Radio 2 show he was only offered the job last Thursday afternoon when presenters Richard Hammond and James May finally ruled themselves out of returning to the program.

Although he was sounded out when news of Clarkson's fracas emerged in March.

He said he immediately texted the three presenters, Clarkson, May and Hammond, to tell them he had been offered the job and accepted it, and they lined up to congratulate him.

Evans told his listeners Clarkson said, "I knew you would and best of luck" while he revealed he also got Hammond's seal of approval.

In a text Hammond told Evans: "You were designed and built for that job and it will be great. It was also always the BBC's very best option if you take it up, and I certainly don't blame you for doing so. Good luck. Richard."

- PAA