MICHAEL SCHUMACHER last night claimed to be Top Gear’s mysterious test driver.

The former Formula One driver took off the Stig’s famous white helmet during an interview with presenter Jeremy Clarkson, after the studio audience urged him to reveal his 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 their lap for the Star in a Reasonably-Priced Car feature.

His identity has been a closely guarded secret, although many people have speculated that the famous white overalls and helmet are shared by several drivers.

Silly 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. In last night’s show, Clarkson quizzed Schumacher about some of the rumours, asking: “Are you illegal in 17 US states?”

Schumacher, who was Formula One world champion seven times, replied: “No, it’s much exaggerated. It’s only nine.”

Last night’s pre-recorded programme marked the start of a new series of Top Gear.