Driver, legend, businessman: Niki Lauda's career

Driver, legend, businessman: Niki Lauda's career
Image source: Google

Vienna: The life and times of Niki Lauda, who has died at the age of 70.

1949: Andreas Nikolaus Lauda born on February 22 in Vienna, Austria 

1968: Without telling his parents, who disapprove of motor racing, Lauda wins his first race in a Mini 

1971: Takes out a loan to buy a seat in the new March team in Formula Two 

1971: Promoted to March Formula One team. Makes grand prix debut in Austria on August 15 

1973: Takes another loan to buy his way into BRM team 1974: Gets a huge break when former BRM teammate Clay Regazzoni recommends him to Ferrari. Lauda finishes second in Argentina on Ferrari debut 

1974: Enjoys his first grand prix victory in Spain on April 28 in his fourth race for Ferrari 

1975: Emerges as Formula One's star driver as he becomes world champion for the first time, winning five of 14 grands prix and taking nine pole positions 

1976: Suffers horrific burns and lung damage in a fiery crash at the Nuerburgring and is read the last rites in hospital. Miraculously misses only two races and is pipped to the title by James Hunt 

1977: Wins his second world championship with Ferrari with consistent podium finishes and victories in South Africa and the Netherlands 

1978: Joins the Bernie Ecclestone-owned Brabham team for a reported 1 million salary.

1979: Retires from the sport during practice for the Canadian Grand Prix in September, saying he "no longer wishes to drive round in circles" for the struggling Brabham outfit.