http://www.news.com.au/entertainment/st ... 29,00.html
MOTORSPORT commentator Charlie Cox, cartoonist Warren Brown and driving instructor Steve Pizzati have won the highly sought-after job to host Australian Top Gear.
After months of interviews, the three were tonight revealed as the hosts of the Australian version of the hit BBC TV program at a function in Sydney.
Cox, Brown and Pizzati beat more than 4000 others for the chance to front the program, which will premiere on SBS after the Olympics this year.
The first version outside the UK, the show features three enthusiasts test driving and brutally appraising the world's most popular cars and performing stunts.
SBS director of content Matt Campbell said it was a difficult task to pick the final three but was confident they had found a winning combination.
"We have chosen three totally different and entertaining personalities who have a natural chemistry that works,'' Campbell said.
All the hosts have a deep passion for motoring.
Currently a motorsport commentator for the BBC, Cox, 47, is known for his classic one-liners.
He worked in radio in Sydney in the 1980s before moving to the UK where he won several motor racing titles in the 1990s and was involved in a near life-ending crash in 1995.
Brown, in his mid-40s, is best known for his work as a cartoonist and motoring columnist for The Daily Telegraph, but also has a passion for historic cars.
The third host, Steve Pizzati, is the youngest of the bunch, in his mid 30s.
He is an advanced driving instructor, freelance motoring journalist and a race driver for Porsche Australia.
Sydney Morning Herald motoring editor Josh Dowling will act as the motor industry consultant.
The Australian Top Gear will have a distinctly "Australian feel'' while still being based on the format made popular in the UK where it is led by Jeremy Clarkson.
Top Gear managing director Adam Waddell praised Aussie presenters.
"A show like Top Gear doesn't resonate with a huge global audience just because people love cars,'' he said.
"The world's most entertaining car show's popularity owes much to the relationship between its three presenters.
"In Charlie, Warren and Steve, Top Gear Australia now has its own team - three guys who possess the spirit of Top Gear whilst having their own distinct personalities.''
SBS was bombarded with entries for the job, picking from 4000 DVD entrants followed by months of interviews and screen tests.
Among those hoping to score the job are believed to be former beauty queen and motorbike enthusiast Laura Csortan and former Escape With ET reporter Michelle Walsh.
