Money talks on Top Gear

There is no doubt that Top Gear is a huge success for the BBC, but what makes it a success is up for debate.

As the presenters negotiate new contracts with the traditional increase in pay, the wheels would seem to be falling off of the Top Gear machine.

Jeremy Clarkson is said to have sorted himself out a multi million pound deal with the commercial division of the BBC, BBC Worldwide.

The deal is said to give him a cut of the profits made from the sale of the show and Top Gear brand worldwide. This will make him one of the highest earning presenters at the BBC.

But on the other hand co-presenters Richard Hammond and James May have turned down the offer made to them. With their contracts running out at the end of this month it is looking like a showdown in the Top Gear camp.