Monday 14 July at 11:42 : Former double world champion Fernando Alonso has dealt a blow to rumours he is the mysterious character known in motoring circles as 'The Stig'.

The Stig, who always wears plain white racing gear and helmet, is an anonymous and highly-skilled test driver for the British television programme about cars, Top Gear (BBC).

It is often speculated that Alonso, the 26-year-old Spaniard who currently races for Renault, is The Stig.

But the rumour exited the realms of possibility during the recent British grand prix weekend, when The Stig actually appeared in the Silverstone paddock.

He performed some laps of the damp Northamptonshire circuit at the wheel of a two-seater formula one car -- watched on closely by none other than Alonso.

"Whoever's in that car is a seriously good driver," the 19-time grand prix winner is quoted as telling the Top Gear website.

"I've no idea who he is, but he's definitely ex-F1," Alonso added.

The Stig's passenger, a lottery winner, bought the ride in a charity auction for $70,000.