There was a 1.6 million drop from the first episode of Top Gear which had an average of 4.4 million viewers. In comparison, the second episode only had 2.8 million viewers.
Viewing was at its peak at 3.3 million just before the BBC Two show ended, as presented by overnight figures.
Chris Evans, presenter of Top Gear said that viewing figures would change substantially if on-demand services were also taken into account.
He tweeted: “The way Top Gear is being viewed is repositioning the way television is consumed. Last week 9 million viewers. This week we shall see.”
Evans advocates that the over-all number was more than double when audiences viewing the show on catch-up services such as iPlayer were included.
The overnight figures only take into account viewers who watched the broadcasting of the show, and do not include those watching on catch-up services.
BBC One’s Antiques Roadshow enticed more viewers than the motoring show, with a higher number of 4.2 million people tuning in.
The guest appearances for Sunday evening’s Top Gear were Damian Lewis, Sharleen Spiteri, Seasick Steve and Tinie Tempah.
This series is the first since the departure of Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May.
The trio left the show last summer after Clarkson’s quarrel with a producer.
They have signed up to present a new upcoming Amazon Prime show called “The Grand Tour” which will debut later this year.
Chris Evans and Matt LeBlanc have taken over presenting responsibilities for the newest series, together with co-presenters Sabine Schmitz and Eddie Jordan.
Rory Reid and Chris Harris also present an extra show, BBC Three’s Extra Gear.
