Publisher HarperCollins is in a legal dispute with the BBC over a book that reveals the identity of Top Gears The Stig, BBC News understands.
Both sides appeared in Londons High Court on Monday after the BBC confirmed it was trying to halt its publication.
The Stig regularly takes to the track on the BBC Two show, but never removes his helmet on screen.
The BBC says the publication of the book breaches contractual and confidentiality obligations.
HarperCollins declined to give any official comment.
The dispute comes amid suggestions from several newspapers speculating that the characters true identity is former Formula Three driver Ben Collins, based on the financial reports of his company.
A BBC spokeswoman said: The BBC is in a legal dispute over the publication of a book relating to Top Gear as this breaches agreed contractual and confidentiality obligations relating to the show.
It was no surprise that Ben Collins company listed Top Gear amongst its work as Ben had appeared numerous times on the programme and he often supplied other drivers for both the programme and Top Gear Live.
The BBC has never confirmed who The Stig is and maintain revealing his identity would spoil viewers enjoyment of the show.
The Stigs identity has puzzled fans for years with many speculating the role is shared by several drivers.
Former Formula 1 driver Perry McCarthy was the original Stig, wearing black overalls for his appearances.
He left the show in 2003 and then a new Stig dressed in white took over.
McCarthy later disclosed his identity in an autobiography.
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