For years the identity of BBC TV's Top Gear test driver, the Stig, has been the subject of frenzied speculation but now his identity appears to have been revealed and the aura of mystery surrounding him may be further shattered by his plan to publish his memoirs.

The name of the driver who hides his identity behind a white helmet with a blackened visor was revealed today as Ben Collins, 35, a former Formula Three driver, described on his website as boasting "a reputation for being fast and aggressive".

Last week, the BBC confirmed it was trying to put the brakes on the Stig's planned autobiography, saying it breached "agreed contractual and confidentiality obligations" relating to the programme.

Then the Sunday Times named Collins based on the financial reports of his company, Collins Autosport. In December 2003, a month after the new Stig's first appearance – an all white-clad driver replacing the previous "black" Stig – a report noted the company had recorded a "cornerstone year" based partly on "driving services provided for the BBC, mainly in the Top Gear programme". The document recorded it offered "good long-term prospects for continuing income".

Collins proved suitably elusive when he was contacted by the paper and asked if he was indeed the Stig, saying: "I can't speak to you. I'm going into a tunnel."

The Stig's identity has been a closely-protected secret with only a handful of BBC executives and Top Gear presenters Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May said to know who he is. The BBC said last week it was "bringing legal proceedings to restrain from publication the identity of an individual who plays the character".

The first Stig, former Formula One driver Perry McCarthy, left the programme after his identity was exposed. Several racing drivers have been linked with the current Stig, including former Formula One world champion Damon Hill. In June last year, they took off the white helmet of the Stig to reveal the seven-times Formula One world champion Michael Schumacher, in what was widely believed to be a red herring devised by the programme as a publicity stunt.

Collins' name has been put forward as the Stig before but it failed to end speculation as to the identity of the test driver. People have suggested that several drivers may share the role.

In January last year, local papers in Bristol reported that Collins was the Stig, after the racing driver allegedly told a gallery owner his secret while asking him to help produce a limited-edition print of the Stig in action. Collins has raced in Nascar and Le Mans sportscars and tested Formula One cars. He was a double for Daniel Craig driving James Bond's Aston Martin in Quantum of Solace.

The Stig character was part of the revamped Top Gear in 2002, the name deriving from the nickname given to new pupils at Repton, Jeremy Clarkson's former school.

The Stig test drives cars around the Top Gear track in Dunsfold, Surrey, and trains each week's guest for their lap for the "Star in a Reasonably-Priced Car" feature.