Abu Dhabi-based Aabar Investments has sealed an agreement with Niki Lauda, three-time Formula One World Champion making him their brand ambassador.

Austrian born Lauda won the F1 World Championship in 1975, 1977 and 1984. Since retiring as a driver, he has gained an excellent reputation as a business man, said a statement from Aabar.

He founded two airlines, 'Lauda Air' and 'Fly NIKI'. In addition, Lauda is as an unrivaled expert and TV commentator on Formula One races, the statement added.

As per the partnership deal, Lauda will be Aabar's brand ambassador around the world starting from the 2011 Italian GP. With this partnership, Aabar highlights its commitment to Formula One, it said.

Since 2009, Aabar has been a major shareholder in Mercedes Grand Prix Limited, the Formula One team of Daimler AG. Aabar is also a shareholder in Daimler AG, holding a 9 per ent share.
 
Khadem Abdulla Al Qubaisi, chairman of Aabar's board of directors, said, 'This agreement demonstrates Aabar's strong commitment to Formula One. We are proud to team up with one of the living legends of the sport, and we have no doubt that Niki Lauda will help to raise Aabar's visibility worldwide.'
 
On the new partnership, Lauda said: 'I am proud to be a brand ambassador for Aabar.'

'This ambitious and innovative investment company has made a great contribution to Formula One. Moreover, Aabar thinks long term and acts in a sustainable manner. I identify with these values,' he added.-TradeArabia News Service