Richard Hammond: "I was sure I would die"

'Top Gear' star Richard Hammond was certain he would die during his near-fatal high speed car crash last year.The 37-year-old TV presenter resigned himself to death when he lost control of his car at 288mph as he attempted to break the world land speed record last September.Recounting the moments before he crashed, Hammond revealed: "I am going to crash. I remember the parachute lever. I pull it. The car does not stop and begins to roll over. I register that it is off the road entirely now and is going to roll onto the roof. I can do no more."The next thing to happen, I am quietly convinced, is that I die."There can be no other outcome. I am not scared, my life does not flash before my eyes, there is just a calm resignation. And also a strange relief at finally knowing the answer to the question that perhaps haunts many of us in the very background of our thoughts. How will I die?"Hammond had to be airlifted to hospital following the crash and was left with "severe brain injuries".Having been close to death, his remarkable recovery allowed him to return to 'Top Gear' in December, and he has not been shy about taking more high octane risks.

Earlier this month he reportedly raced a Bugatti Veryon, a car which is capable of going at 250mph and can travel from 0 to 60mph in 2.5 seconds.

Shortly afterwards he was involved in a minor collision with another car while competing in a 24-hour car race for 'Top Gear' at Silverstone race track.