“Say her name!” Jeremy Clarkson introduces The Grand Tour’s new female driver – but fails to identify her

No one seems all that upset that The Grand Tour has decided to part ways with “the American” Mike Skinner for series two. The NASCAR driver was unpopular with fans and the Amazon car show has spent months searching for his replacement.

With series two currently airing, they’ve finally introduced her – yes, HER – to viewers.

Clarkson & co have broken new ground with their latest hire, selecting a female driver – Abbie Eaton – after nine months spent auditioning “everyone we could think of”.

The team have tested out “former F1 drivers, rally drivers, stunt drivers, test drivers” until they ended up with the fastest. “And here she is…” teased Clarkson before showing footage of Eaton tearing up the track.

Ladies and gentlemen, our new driver. #TheGrandTour pic.twitter.com/R94SQhvOGz

— The Grand Tour (@thegrandtour) December 15, 2017

But – and it’s a crucial but – he failed to name his new colleague during her introductory segment, despite labelling her a “phenomenal driver” and adding “we’re delighted to have her on board”.

It’s an omission some viewers were none too happy about.

Would have been nice if at ANY point in the segment they’d said her name rather than just calling her “She”. Her name is Abbie Eaton. https://t.co/BIY6m56oAO

— Halfbeaks (@Halfbeaks) December 15, 2017

Anyone else annoyed that The Grand Tour didn’t announce *who* the new track driver is, it was Abbie Eaton who drove 10/10: https://t.co/wHTgUM1syN

— GregularExpressions (@greggunner) December 15, 2017

This rules, but…say her name! https://t.co/aSqm1aTlzJ

— Stef Schrader (@stefthepef) December 15, 2017

Eaton is a 25-year-old professional racer from England with plenty of experience – including the SAXMAX Championship, GT Cup and British GT Championship.

In contrast, when Skinner was introduced in the series one premiere he was named and his NASCAR credentials were mentioned before he was shown on the track.

Still, the decision to leave Eaton anonymous has not dampened fans’ enthusiasm for the show’s first female driver:

If you haven’t seen this girl in action out side of the grand tour I suggest you sit up and pay attention!Go @AbbieEaton44 ???????? https://t.co/cDxE99TGth

— Nikki???? (@ni_kk_i_) December 16, 2017

Never thought that anything connected with Jeremy Clarkson would ever smash a glass ceiling….#TheGrandTour #GlassCeiling #AbbieEaton #JeremyClarkson https://t.co/PVT3ljeeTo

— Nolene Dougan #DumpTrump (@NoleneDougan) December 16, 2017

my heart skipped when Jeremy said “she”

congrats to Abbie Eaton! I’m so glad that after all these years, the boys finally let a woman dominate the track https://t.co/YjJL7fUZf3

— good king winseancelas (@thatSeanBarry) December 15, 2017

And the woman herself is “loving the new changes” made to the show…

Hope you're all enjoying the new series of @TheGrandTour. I'm loving the new changes they've made… pic.twitter.com/HoTpYTUMTJ

— Abbie Eaton (@AbbieEaton44) December 15, 2017

The Grand Tour series two continues on Fridays on Amazon Video