Formula One driver Jenson Button tipped to join Top Gear?

British Formula One driver Jenson Button is reported to be in the running to join radio presenter Chris Evans as a Top Gear co-presenter.

Button who was the 2009 Formula One World Champion, currently drives for McLaren Honda.

Earlier this month, he had said that he would be "pretty happy" with his achievements if he retired from Formula One.

Top Gear is set for a whole team of new presenters after BBC dropped former host Jeremy Clarkson from the line-up when he punched the show's producer Oisin Tymon at a filming session in North Yorkshire.

Clarkson was initially suspended but following an internal BBC investigation, his contract was not renewed.

Following Clarkson's departure, his co-presenters, Richard Hammond and James May also decided to leave, together with executive producer Andy Wilman, the Daily Mail said.

Yesterday (31 July), it was revealed that the former Top Gear hosts have signed up with Amazon Prime to helm a new car show. Andy Wilman, who is credited with revamping the Top Gear format and turning it into one of the world's most successful TV programmes will be the executive producer of the show.

While Evans has been confirmed as the lead host for Top Gear show, rumours have circulated that Jodie Kidd, actor Phillip Glenister and former motorcycle racer turned broadcaster, Guy Martin are likely co-hosts replacements. Button is the latest and unexpected addition to the list of possible co-hosts, The Independent reports.

Kidd, a former model presents Channel 5's Classic Car Show while Glenister has also presented Channel 4's show For The Love of Cars.

The Daily Mail noted that noted that while refusing to comment on the speculation, both Button's spokesman and the BBC have not denied that talks are taking place.

A source told the paper that an announcement is imminent from the BBC.

It said Button, who married model Jessica Michibata last December, has twice appeared on Top Gear while the Clarkson-Hammond-May trio were in the show.

The paper says Evans has yet to reveal who will be joining him next year, insisting that the first step is to assemble the behind-the-scenes talent.

BBC director general Tony Hall has already said that he would like to see more women on the show, which puts Kidd as a strong candidate for the co-host slot.