After Jeremy Clarkson's sacking from the BBC earlier this year, the crew from Top Gear have been on a bit of a hiatus, but that might come to an end sooner than expected. 

The contract with the BBC had stated that they had a non-compete clause, meaning that they wouldn't be able to take their successful Top Gear formula to another TV station until 2017 at the earliest. That could see them lose out on the momentum and publicity that they had garnered after the controversial sacking, and lessen the impact of their new show when they eventually got back on the air. 

However, according to The Sunday Mirror, they may have found a loophole in their contracts that would allow them to get moving on the new project a lot sooner. The clause had specifically stated that they couldn't work for another British broadcaster, but they may be lining up an American production company to make the show, and then sell the rights to the highest bidder. 

That could mean that the new show would be ready to go in time to compete with Chris Evans' revamped version of Top Gear on the BBC, which would create a huge ratings war, depending on who ends up securing the new show fronted by Hammond, Clarkson and May. 

Via Shortlist