peterg Posted September 22, 2006 Posted September 22, 2006 QUOTE James May, a friend and colleague of the injured Top Gear presenter Richard Hammond, said yesterday he was confident his co-star would make a full recovery after his horrific car crash. May, who had originally been due to drive the jet-propelled dragster for the BBC2 programme, breathed a sigh of relief after visiting Hammond in hospital. He said that although Hammond, 36, was a bit "bashed in" and could not talk properly, he remained his normal cocky self. May, who spent a number of hours with his fellow presenter yesterday, said: "The specialist says he's got substantial head injuries and that's pretty clear when you see him. "But they're reasonably confident of a recovery. With these sorts of injuries there are days of observations to make before they're absolutely sure." May, who writes a column for The Daily Telegraph motoring section, said his friend was not a pretty sight and he had been worried that he might lose an eye. "His eye is a bit bashed in but I was very pleased to hear the doctors say he hadn't got any damage to the lens or the retina and that his sight will be OK," he said. May, who with Hammond plays a foil to Jeremy Clarkson on Top Gear, was at his friend's bedside for several hours. "He tried to sit up when I came in and he gave me a sort of grin, which I have to say was a very uplifting moment for me," he said. "I had a bit of an unmanly moment at that point. "I was chuffed to see him and although he's muttering, he seems much like the irritating little s**t I know and love. Even when he can't say much, he seemed to make as much sense as he does when he can talk normally." May dismissed stories that he stepped down at the last moment to allow Hammond to drive the jet-powered dragster. "Someone's got hold of a shooting schedule, which was written weeks ago and at that time, I was pencilled in for driving the jet car and Richard was driving a Bugatti Veyron. Then the jet-car availability dates changed and Richard and I had to do a swap — I was quite annoyed about it at the time. This sort of thing happens all the time, the dates are not set in stone. "Having seen him today I do believe Richard will make a full recovery from this awful crash and, when he's back on his feet, I'm looking forward to going down to the pub with him." Quote
thos Posted September 22, 2006 Posted September 22, 2006 Well that's the best sign I think we've seen so far. Quote
pistonbroke Posted September 22, 2006 Posted September 22, 2006 I heard it said the accident was a result of the high cross winds on the day , made the car unstable ? Good to here his condition is improving Quote
Man On The Clapham Omnibus Posted September 22, 2006 Posted September 22, 2006 Apparently it was in "high winds". Bet the HSE will pick up on that gem. It does sound encouraging - hopefully no brain swelling will happen later. Quote
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