There are few real legends.

But one from the Formula 1 arena was three-time world champion Nikki Lauda.

Just a few weeks after remembering the death of another F1 world champion, Ayrton Senna, we hear of the passing of Nikki Lauda at the young age of 70.

Nikki was born in Vienna, Austria on February 22, 1949.

He won the F1 world championships in 1975, 1977 and 1984.

The thing most people would remember about Lauda was his courage.

He was seriously injured in a crash at the 1976 German Grand Prix at the Nurburgring when his Ferrari burst into flames.

He came close to death after inhaling hot toxic fumes and suffering severe burns.

However, he recovered sufficiently and though in great pain, raced just six weeks later at the Italian Grand Prix.

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Lauda became a racing driver despite his family's disapproval.

After starting out with a Mini, Lauda moved on into Formula Vee.

He rapidly moved up to drive in private Porsche and Chevron sports cars.

With his career stalled, he took out a £30,000 bank loan secured by a life insurance policy, to buy his way into the fledgling March team as a Formula Two driver in 1971.

Lauda started his F1 career with March then BRM before moving to Ferrari, followed by Brabham and finally McLaren.

He started in F1 grand prixs 171 times for 25 wins and 24 pole positions, retiring after the 1985 Australian Grand Prix.

Borrow the DVD Rush.

It covers Lauda's career with a focus on the battle between a methodical Lauda and a flamboyant James Hunt.

It's well worth the watch.

RIP Nikki Lauda. Your like won't pass our way again.

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