The Stig, a mystery driver who tests high-performance cars on Top Gear, has been "revealed" as Michael Schumacher.

The seven-times Formula 1 champion dressed as the show's famous driver and removed his helmet during an interview with presenter Jeremy Clarkson.

However, an appalling driving performance by Schumacher at the end of the show cast doubt on the "revelation".

Clarkson told viewers: "I don't think Michael Schumacher is the Stig".

The presenter had earlier revealed in his column in the Sun that Stig's identity would be a "staggering surprise" to viewers.

       
You have to bear in mind that Top Gear is an entertainment programme
BBC spokeswoman

"As a television moment, it's up there with Neil Armstrong walking on the... corpse of JR Ewing," he added.

Earlier, a BBC spokesman said: "As Jeremy said, in tonight's Top Gear Stig will remove his helmet for the first time."

After the show a BBC spokeswoman could not confirm whether or not Schumacher was the genuine Stig, or a stunt to mark the first episode of a new series of Top Gear.

But she added: "You have to bear in mind that Top Gear is an entertainment programme."

Perry McCarthy, a former Formula 1 driver, was the original Stig, wearing black overalls for his appearances.

He was replaced with a new Stig, dressed in white, after he had revealed his identity in his 2002 autobiography.