Jenson Button has ruled himself out of being a presenter on Top Gear after renewing his contract with McLaren Honda for the 2016 Formula One season.

The Somerset-born racer, 35, had been tipped to co-present the new-look BBC motoring show alongside Chris Evans, who is replacing Jeremy Clarkson as lead presenter.

Chris Evans as the newly-appointed Top Gear presenter is to hold auditions to be a co-host on the show - including for members of the public.
Chris Evans will host Top Gear (John Stillwell/PA)

Jenson, who married model Jessica Michibata in December last year, appeared twice on Top Gear before Jeremy, Richard Hammond and James May left, taking part in the Star in the Reasonably Priced Car challenge.

He announced the new contract on Twitter.

Jeremy was sacked from Top Gear for attacking producer Oisin Tymon in a row over food in March.

Richard and James left the show and the trio signed a deal, reportedly worth millions, to front a motoring show for Amazon Prime customers. The as-yet-untitled programme is scheduled to start airing on Amazon Prime next year.

Chris has signed a three-year deal to lead a new line-up of presenters on Top Gear.

Zoe Ball
Zoe Ball (Daniel Leal-Olivas/PA)

Other celebrities linked to the role include Zoe Ball, former X Factor host Dermot O’Leary, motorbike racer Guy Martin and Life On Mars actor Philip Glenister.

But Chris denied Zoe’s involvement.

He has also said the rumours about Dermot and Philip are false.

Jodie Kidd
Jodie Kidd (Ian West/PA)

Jodie Kidd has ruled herself out of the running, saying: “If I were to accept Top Gear it would be completely all-consuming. Top Gear is the most brilliant show on this planet but it would just take over your soul.”

The new Top Gear is expected to be broadcast in autumn next year.