Hat's off as the Stig is unmasked … or is he?

Published on Monday 22 June 2009 01:30

SOME say it was one of television's most closely guarded secrets. Some say it was all a publicity stunt.

We only know that last night, Michael Schumacher revealed himself as Top Gear's mysterious test driver, the Stig.

The former Formula One champion took off the Stig's famous white helmet during an interview with presenter Jeremy Clarkson after the studio audience urged him to reveal him true identity.

Clarkson jokingly pretended not to recognise Schumacher and asked him what his name was before he became famous as the Stig, before excitedly shouting to the audience: "It's Michael Schumacher!"

The Stig test drives cars around the Top Gear track in Dunsfold Park, Surrey, and trains each week's guest for the Star in a Reasonably Priced Car feature. His identity is a closely guarded secret, although many people have speculated that the famous white overalls and helmet are shared by several drivers.

Outrageous rumours about the Stig have been used to add to the mystery surrounding the character, who never speaks to camera.

Former Formula One driver Perry McCarthy was Top Gear's original Stig, who dressed all in black during the first two series. He was replaced with the current Stig, dressed in white, after he revealed his identity.