Michael Schumacher revealed himself as Top Gear's mysterious test driver the Stig tonight.
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 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 their lap 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.
Rumours about the Stig have been used to add to the mystery surrounding the character who never speaks to camera.
In the show, Clarkson quizzed Schumacher about some of the rumours, 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."
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.
