The BBC has lost its fight to keep the identity of The Stig a secret.

Former Formula Three racing driver Ben Collins, known to worldwide audiences for his masked role on the top rating Top Gear series, has been unveiled as the mystery man behind one of the great debates.

His autobiography, titled The Man in the White Suit, had been attempted to be blocked by the BBC who claimed that a cause in his contract prevented him from revealing his true identity. However, the High Court in London yesterday refused to grant an injunction to the BBC blocking the publication of the book by HarperCollins. The BBC had undertaken legal action against the publishing house last week and still refuses to confirm if Collins is the famous helmeted star.

The Stig has become a global phenomenon, famed for his white racing overalls and visored helmet that have created websites, t-shirts and fan clubs of the driver, who features as a test driver on Top Gear. The show has played on his anonymity for years, with speculation over his identity leading the presenters to offer a series of alternatives including Michael Schumacher and Damon Hill. Mr Collins’ predecessor, Perry McCarthy, was axed from the show after he was uncovered back in 2003.

The audience has always revelled in the mystery of The Stig, and the BBC said confidentiality agreements, not to mention an integral part of the show’s aura, would be breached should Collins go public.