Internet users search for Stig's identity

The true identity of The Stig is one of the most frequently probed riddles on a popular internet site, figures have revealed.

The helmeted Top Gear driver is a regular feature on the BBC car show alongside Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May, yet never speaks or reveals any clues about his or her identity.

According to search engine Ask.com, the mystery has led to the question "Who is The Stig?" becoming one of the top ten queries made by users of its service this year.

The most popular question for 2008 was "Am I pregnant?", while "Where can I get a cheap loan?" also featured on the table.

Ask.com's European MD, Cesar Mascaraque, said: "The Stig seems to be a cult figure whose identity is so sought after that thousands are turning to the internet to try and find an answer."

Britney Spears recently topped a list of most searched-for subjects on Yahoo UK.