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VIDEO: Identity of Top Gear's Stig finally revealed as ... Michael Schumacher
Last updated at 09:56am on 22.06.09Related links
Michael Schumacher has unmasked himself as Top Gear's mysterious test driver the Stig.
The Stig's real identity has always been a closely guarded secret at the BBC show and many people believe that the famous white overalls and helmet are shared by several drivers.
Unmasked: The Stig takes off his helmet
Schumacher revealed himself as one of them when the Stig took off his trademark helmet during an interview with presenter Jeremy Clarkson after the audience urged him to show them his face.
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!"
Scroll down to see video of Stig's unveiling...
Silly rumours had been used to add to the mystery surrounding the character who never speaks to camera.
Clarkson quizzed Schumacher about some of the rumours during the show which was broadcast last night, asking: "Are you illegal in 17 US states?"
Schumacher, who was Formula One world drivers' champion seven times, replied: "No, it's much exaggerated. It's only nine."
Driving force: Schumacher jokes with Jeremy Clarkson
Clarkson then asked about another rumour: "Some people have told us you only know two facts about ducks and both of them are wrong. Is that true?"
Schumacher replied "Well obviously they won't fly" and was quickly interrupted by Clarkson who said: "No, they were right, you don't know anything about ducks."
The Stig test drives cars around the Top Gear track in Dunsfold Park, Surrey, and trains each week's guest for their lap for the Star in a Reasonably-Priced Car feature.
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.
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Reader views (14)
Clarkson is a tool, the short bloke is a tool, James May is good. Over rated programme watched by petrol heads and bored housewives.
- Bunhill, London
& I am the Christmas Fairy!
- Barbara, London
Schumacher is not the Stig; it's a publicity stunt.
- Colin, London
Did the tooth fairy leave a pound under your pillow Colin?
Does Father christmas leave all the childrens presents every chrimbo
- Ge, Kernow Nation of
Schumacher is not the Stig; it's a publicity stunt.
- Colin, London
incredible program, hilarious.
each host has an angelic side
& a not so angelic side! the
guests are incredlible. your show is like the old american
"miami vice" everyone wants to be on it!! keep up the great
work. my wife, susan would be devistated if "top gear"
disappeared. thanx, tim
- Tim Stake, rockville maryland usa
No Matter who he is, I hope they never take this series off the air.
- Jerry, Menifee, CA
I am NOT the Stig!
(Wish I was, though.)
- Anil Chatterjee, Manchester
I guess I can now return that "I am the Stig" shirt.... I kind of like not knowing.
- Seth, Boston, MA USA
Anon, leicestershire....I couldn't agree with you more!! How that moronic, atavistic throwback has got to where he is totally boggles the mind...can't bear him!
- Ali Sichilongo, London
what a wasted chance to interview the greatest driver we will ever see.clarkson should have got someone else to interview him instead of asking him half baked questions but thats clarkson a turnips got more brain cells
- Anon, leicestershire
What a wonderful publicity stunt to kick off the new series. Some say the stig is many rather than the one, but we know him as whoever is free.
- Gary, brentwood
I am The Stig.
- Nobby Clark, Perth, the Scottish one
Does anybody really believe that Schumacher is the Stig? No thought not.
- Ian, Cambridge
Oh wow!..Hissy fit!! I had placed a bet with my Bookmaker that it was Tony Blair. He seems to drop off the Press radar every now again. After all, he does need to earn 'Big Bucks' to pay for all those mortgages he ahs taken out in recent years.
- Uncle Vanya, East Anglia Area UK
