But the father of two left hospital just five weeks after the high-speed accident and is said to be making a full recovery.

Video footage of the crash will be broadcast in the first episode of the new series of Top Gear on January 28, according to Top Gear magazine.

BBC to ’broadcast Hammond crash film’ - Jan 5 2007
The BBC will screen footage of Richard Hammond’s crash in the new series of Top Gear, according to co-presenter Jeremy Clarkson.

It is likely to be included in the first show on January 28.

The TV star had a miraculous escape when he crashed a 300mph jet-powered dragster while filming a stunt for the programme in September.

"Half the world wants to see the crash so I’m sure we’ll show it," Jeremy told The Sun.

"We’re looking into whether we’ve enough footage of a good quality to show it.

"I imagine we’ll be using it in the first show."

Richard himself - who has no memory of the crash - is happy for the scenes to be broadcast.

Jeremy said: "Richard has no idea what happened to him so he’ll be as keen as everyone else to see it."

The new series will feature 35 daredevil stunts including the launch of a home-made space shuttle.

A BBC spokesman said a final decision on the footage is yet to be made.

Hammond speeds back after crash - Dec 28 2006
Top Gear star Richard Hammond has ridden a high-speed motorbike for the first time since the 288mph jetcar crash which almost cost him his life.

The presenter, nicknamed the Hamster, roared around London on a Honda Fireblade just days after doctors gave him the all-clear to ride again.

"I just can’t believe how good that was," he told Motor Cycle News after completing his ride.

Richard suffered a brain injury when he crashed while filming for BBC Two’s Top Gear at Elvington airfield, near York, in September this year.

He told Motor Cycle News after his ride: "It felt like a fantastic connection straight back to a time when I hadn’t suffered a brain injury and life was a lot simpler.

"That’s why I ride a bike. I can come out of a TV studio or the big meeting doing grown-up stuff but the moment I get on a bike I’m exactly the same person I was 15 or 20 years ago.

"I just can’t believe how good that was. Even though I haven’t been on a bike since before my accident, it’s a bit of a grim wet day and I feel really out of practice, it just makes perfect sense."

BBC angry over Hammond interviews? - Oct 27 2006
The BBC is reportedly angry over Richard Hammond’s decision to give interviews about his high speed car crash to the Daily Mirror.

The corporation’s news outlets asked for an interview with the Top Gear presenter, who has a reported £2 million deal with them, but were turned down, according to The Times.

The 36-year-old, a Mirror columnist, then offered the exclusive interview to the paper, just five weeks after the event.

Peter Horrocks, the head of BBC Television News, said: "It’s frustrating to see the Mirror feature."

Denise Wallace, assistant news editor on Look North, added: "I think it’s extraordinary that someone who made his name on a BBC programme is not prepared to talk to us."

Richard told the Mirror he is looking forward to getting back behind the wheel.

"I don’t think it will affect me next time I get inside a car," he commented. "I am not living in fear and trepidation, I’m not worried there are going to be horrible flashbacks."