Is Michael Schumacher really Top Gear's The Stig?
Michael Schumacher revealed himself as Top Gear's mysterious test driver the Stig last night.
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.
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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 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.
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 drivers' champion seven times, replied: "No, it's much exaggerated. It's only nine."
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 can fly" and was quickly interrupted by Clarkson who said: "No, they were right, you don't know anything about ducks."
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.
Last night's pre-recorded programme marked the start of a new series of Top Gear.
8 Comments
by tony, Mangotsfield
Monday, June 22 2009, 6:40PM
“I somehow don't think the BBC could afford Shu's wages to act as the stig, it was a publicity stunt and it seems to have worked as it has been in all the press and radio thus promoting the programme. Not that it needs promoting mind except it gets boring when they show 4 episodes and then 8 repeats/best bits!”
by rob, Bristol
Monday, June 22 2009, 5:42PM
“Well, Schumacher is definately not the stig in my opinion. Quite a simple answer that Clarkson himself gave away.
whilst talking about the Ferrari FXX.
He mentions that you can buy one but not actually own it, they call you and you attend a track day with it. Dont you think its a bit coincidental that Schumacher works for Ferrari and they would not just let 'anyone' drive the FXX but it does really all pale into insignificance when as mentioned, Top Gear aint a Bristol product”
by Spotter, Bristol
Monday, June 22 2009, 4:52PM
“Ahh bless, girlies and cars. Sorry Michelle, but some things are just not meant to be. Now, back to the kitchen with you my love and get that tea ready for the man in your life.”
by Jon, Bristol
Monday, June 22 2009, 4:50PM
“My Dear Michelle, they do not get a new Stig every series.
There have been two "Stigs" - the current one (who is not Schumaker) has been there since 2003 and the original who was former F1 driver Perry McCarthy (2002 to 2003).”
by michelle, Bristol
Monday, June 22 2009, 4:12PM
“I think he was but they get a new stig every series. The first stig was wearing black and Michael Schumacher was in white. Just wait for a different coloured overall..”
by Spotter, Bristol
Monday, June 22 2009, 1:14PM
“Oh, and of course, James May was born in Bristol (but moved away when he was about 3) but still good enough for a BEP link I guess.”
by Jon, Bristol
Monday, June 22 2009, 10:06AM
“Come on Spotter, surely you know the obvious link is that one of the presenters lives a bit near Bristol!!
Good to see the EP now running free adverts for BBC shows.
BTW - the answer to the headline question is "No, he's not".”
by Spotter, Bristol
Monday, June 22 2009, 9:17AM
“I've read through this story three times but still cannot find any reason why is should appear in the BRISTOL Evening Post. There have been some tenuous links to Bristol in stories that have appeared in the past but this one beats me. Can anyone help?”