The BBC took the Top Gear driver to court because he wanted to publish his autobiography.

The broadcaster, which makes millions from selling the program around the world, wanted to keep the Stig's identity secret and claimed it was a breach of contract for the Stig to name himself publicly.

But the Stig was already widely reported to be race car driver Ben Collins, 35, from Bristol in northern England.

A newspaper earlier this month revealed documents showing Collins had a company which provided driving services to Top Gear.

Collins is the second Stig. The first driver to play the character, Perry McCarthy, was sacked after he was named publicly.

Collins' book is expected to be released later this month.