Michael Schumacher the Stig
The BBC’s flagship motoring programme Top Gear last night revealed their ‘tame racing driver’, the Stig, to be F1 legend Michael Schumacher.
On the programme the Stig was asked to remove his helmet and reveal his identity, which hitherto has been a closely-guarded and much-talked about secret. As the helmet came off there were gasps and applause, and then cheering from the studio audience. Host Jeremy Clarkson then joked with Schumacher, asking him to tell the audience his name.
Motor racing observers had previously considered the Stig to be someone of note, because of the evident skill and speed of the Stig. But tabloid consensus was that it was Ben Collins.
Sceptical pundits were last night suggesting that Schumacher’s appearance had been a publicity stunt and that the real Stig was so furious his identity had been aped that he ate a nearby producer.
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Woodgoat | Jun 23, 2009 | Reply
I can’t imagine Schumi having the time to set up times in fast cars or whatever. In addition to that, Top Gear’s budget is not big enough to afford him. The “Stig” is a racing driver that needs the extra cash, no doubt.
Sarah | Jun 24, 2009 | Reply
The Ferrari FXX must have been Schumacher’s own car, hence why he took it round the Top Gear track. I’m sure that some of the time the FXX posted was down to having Schumacher drive it rather than the normal Stig.
Michael | Nov 4, 2009 | Reply
Reply to Woodgoat.
U say that top gear’s budget isn’t big enough. Well consider this, it’s the most famous car programme in the world and they earn huge amounts of money just by selling it to other countries. BBC would easily afford Schumi a few hours a week to drive some super sports cars.