richard mark hammond (born 19 december 1969) is an english journalist, presenter and writer. he is best known for co-hosting the bbc two motoring series "top gear" from 2002 until 2015 with jeremy clarkson and james may. in 2016, he started presenting "the grand tour" with clarkson and may. hammond has also presented "" (2003–2008), "total wipeout" (2009–2012) and "planet earth live" (2012).