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In comments which will no doubt appal his presenting partner Jeremy Clarkson, Richard said he understood concerns over global warming and criticised city-dwellers with gas-guzzling 4x4s.

Asked in GQ magazine about public concern over greenhouse gas emissions, he said: "Well, I can understand that. Driving a Range Rover in London is pretty unnecessary. When I am in town I get around either on a scooter, a motorbike or on a bicycle.

"The truth is I've always loved cycling, ever since I was a kid. I do think that if you have a meeting in London and it's 45 minutes away, you can get in an hour-and-a-half's decent aerobic exercise.

Clarkson's opinions on the environment are well documented."I care more about the colour of the gear knob on my Mercedes than the amount of carbon dioxide it produces," he has said.

Richard also recalled the accident which nearly claimed his life.His jet-powered car crashed at 280mph during a stunt for the BBC show last year and he was left in a coma.

He said: "It's not an easy business getting over a coma, but I had it easier than others. When I came around, I was convinced I'd been at a party for two weeks. A party at which - thank God! - I was chatting up my wife, who I really, really fancied."

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