Michael Schumacher's Stig Joke

5 months ago 22nd Jun 13:00

Michael Schumacher is 'Top Gear' driver The Stig.

The former Formula One champion appeared on the BBC motoring show last night (21.06.09), dressed in the white suit and reflective helmet of the show's mysterious racing driver.

Host Jeremy Clarkson shocked the audience when he claimed he was about to reveal the identity of The Stig on the first episode of the new series of the show.

Are you illegal in 17 US states?The driver replied: No, it's much exaggerated. It's only nine.

As the audience chanted, "Off, off, off," Schumacher reached up and pulled off his helmet before winking into the camera.

The 40-year-old German driver - who won the Formula One driver's championship seven times before retiring in 2006 - was then interviewed by Clarkson, who asked him: "What's your real name? It's just too amazing for words!"

He also quizzed Schumacher about some of the rumours which surround the Stig, asking: "Are you illegal in 17 US states?"

The driver replied: "No, it's much exaggerated. It's only nine."

But the dramatic "unveiling" is though to have been a hoax, with many believing the white overalls and helmet are shared by several drivers.

A BBC insider has admitted the stunt was "a joke", adding: "We will never reveal who or what the Stig is."

The Stig test drives cars around the 'Top Gear' raceway in Surrey and trains each week's celebrity guest for their lap in the 'Star In A Reasonably-Priced Car' feature on the programme.