Known only to a handful of people, the true identity of one of motoring’s most illusive personalities could soon become known to all, as The Stig prepares to publish his autobiography. Top Gear’s stunt driver has reportedly already written a draft of his memoirs and also found a publisher.

If he does decide to go ahead and reveal himself, The Stig could find himself in a legal battle with the BBC. He is contractually forbidden from telling anyone who he really is, including the celebrities he trains to take part in the Star in a Reasonably Priced Car section of the show.

Lawyers say that although the BBC would have a case against The Stig based on clauses of his contract, he would also have a strong case based on basic human rights. Head of media law at the firm Taylor Wessing, Niri Shan, said article 10 of the Human Rights Act gave The Stig the right to free speech.

According to sources, The Stig is not happy about the fact that the other presenters on the show are able to make lucrative publishing deals, as well as endorse products, because they are so well known with the public. Top Gear is currently one of the most popular television shows around the world.

The identity of The Stig is a much mooted subject. Racing personalities such as former Formula One champion Damon Hill and former Formula Three driver Ben Collins have been touted as possible candidates. Last year Michael Schumacher was unmasked as The Stig on the show, but it was later confirmed that it was just a hoax.