Richard Hammond critical in hospital after accident @ 280MPH

[Nige_RS4]

Here's what Clarkson had to say [from bbc.co.uk];

Clarkson said in a statement that many motorists were rooting for Hammond, adding that he and his family were "the most important concerns we have".

Referring to Hammond by his nickname, Clarkson said: "Both James and I are looking forward to getting our 'hamster' back."

[jeffw]

Top Gear presenter Richard Hammond has suffered a "significant brain injury" after crashing a jet-powered car at speeds of up to 300mph during filming.
Doctors at Leeds General Infirmary said they were "reasonably optimistic" the 36-year-old would make a good recovery.

[bobjebb]

I read those comments yesterday, how can "significant brain injury" and "reasonably optimistic of a good recovery" be one in the same?

[CliveH]

I agree, but the latest news looks quite promising :-

'A spokesman for the Leeds General Infirmary Trust said: “Mr Hammond is making satisfactory progress. This morning he has been moved out of intensive care onto a high dependency unit.”'

[s4woody]

sky news said earlier that jeremy clarkson commented on hampster being such a crap driver and richard smiled even though he was heavily sedated..if that is true then things mite be looking positive for his recovery..doctors say they cant do nothing about his driving though...

[DavidT]

Our friends over on PistonHeads have setup a justgiving account: www.justgiving.com/PHRichardHammond

[CliveH]

There was a nice comment over on Pistonheads on the news that he's improving :-

"Hammond, like the indestructible TOYOTA truck, just keeps on going. Just a bit of WD40 and a couple of good mechanics and he will be back in action.

Let's have more of this sort of news coming."

[philipwalker]

I found this comment by a misguided individual on Virgin net comments board.

Rippon from London says:

Hammond belongs to the cult which fetishises cars and speed, and thereby celebrates the materialistic culture of which the car is a potent icon.

This is a juvenile mind-set which we must all grow out of for the sake of the future of humanity and our environment.

Hammond’s accident should evoke the same level of sympathy as that of a silly adult playing with guns.

The best outcome of Hammond’s accident is if he and his colleagues (of whom Clarkson wins in the juvenile stakes) grow up and realise that, as mature (in years at least) adults, they should focus their attention, and that of their cult following, not on the latest polluting toys (only available to the very rich anyway) but on a feasible future for private transport.

[derdle]

We all hope for a speedy recovery, but some wag has come up with this cartoon. If anyone feels offended then please feel free to ask for the post to be deleted.

[shineydave]

to be honest i think it sums up the Hamsters passion for cars and the general humour from the rest of the top gear team

[CliveH]

I agree Dave, and I don't think Richard would be offended by that either.

[DavidT]

There is a Clarkson article on the Sun website: http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2-2006440317,00.html

Amusing and informative I though.

[s4woody]

well its goodnews that he still thinks that may is a c**k face..and if the bbc pull the show lets just hope some other quick thinking channel snap them up..no top gear is like pulling teeth without pain relief..

[Scotty]

The knives are out for Top Gear. Please sign the petition to save it : HERE

[jeffw]

New series is 'delayed' according to the BBC website