james daniel may (born 16 january 1963) is an english television presenter and journalist. he is best known for co-hosting the bbc two motoring series "top gear" from 2002 until 2015 with jeremy clarkson and richard hammond. he started hosting "the grand tour" in 2016, also with clarkson and hammond. he wrote a weekly column for the motoring section of "the daily telegraph" from 2003 to 2011.