I heard the news this morning that pint sized star (and ladies favorite) Richard Hammond of Top Gear and Brainiac fame has been badly injured.

Richard was filming (for Top Gear) and was attempting a record breaking run in a jet powered car on an airfield in York. The car apparently lost control at near 300Mph (490kph) and veered off to the right and injured Richard badly.

Dave Ogan a former fire fighter, and one of the safety people there to help with the filming said "One of the parachutes had deployed but it went on to the grass and spun over and over before coming to a rest about 100 yards from us."

Richard was flown to the Leeds General Hospital, and his condition has apparently improved slightly overnight.

Both co-presenters on the BBC show (Jeremy Clarkson and James May)have been to visit Richard and his family, with them saying that Richard and his family were "the most important concerns we have".

"I would just like to say how heartened Richard will be when I tell him just how many motorists and truck drivers on my way here wound down their windows to say they were rooting for him. Both James and I are looking forward to getting our hamster back."

Richards family have asked for no more information to be released to the media, however if any major developments happen I am sure we will hear about them.

What will happen to this series of BBC's Top Gear, due to start in October is unknown at present, but it will not be the same without him. He is after all the only reason my wife actually lets me watch the show.

My best wishes go out to Richards family (Mindy his wife, Willow and Isabella his daughters).

We hope to see him powersliding again soon.

Other People's thoughts.

Dan (IsThereFood) - Fingers Crossed
GizModo - Please take this post down, it's not well written or needed at the moment
TopGear Official Website

If you would like to email your thoughts through to Richard and his family, please use this link

Images copyright BBC.