Lauda's vow to give Jaguar 'full throttle'

Niki Lauda has promised to power Jaguar 'full throttle' towards Grand Prix success.

The triple world champion, famed as one of the leading drivers of his generation, has been lured back into the pit lane to inspire the Formula One newcomers.

Jaguar's first season back in Grand Prix racing failed to deliver the promised barrage of points with Eddie Irvine, the big-money recruit from Ferrari, slipping down the grid.

But some tough-talking from the no-nonsense Lauda is expected to change Jaguar's fortunes in an ambitious five-year plan after his appointment to head the team's Premier Automative Group.

Lauda said: "When I was racing I did everything at full throttle whilst many of the others kept their foot on the brake.

"I want to bring that mentality into Jaguar racing. I'm looking forward to the new challenge and I'm highly motivated.

"The airline business is very different to Formula One and I can't want to begin the fight."

Lauda, who famously returned to racing just seven weeks after suffering horrific burns in an accident at the 1976 German Grand Prix, will be chiefly responsible for all Jaguar's F1 commitments and will assist with Aston Martin's challenge for the Le Mans 24-hour race.

It is 12 years since he was regularly involved on the pit lane, although his acted as a part-time advisor to his former team Ferrari in 1996.

Jaguar chief executive Bobby Rahal will continue to have the final word on all race matters but Lauda will deal much of the pit lane politics, including discussions with F1 governing body the FIA.

"This is a historic moment for Jaguar. I'm looking forward to working with Niki in his role," said Rahal.

"There is no short-term fix and we have a five-year plan for success. It will take several years to fine tune things but I'm hoping for a steady improvement."