Lauda says he is replaced as Jaguar team principal

LONDON, Nov 26, 2002; Reuters reports that Austrian Niki Lauda has been replaced as team principal of the Jaguar Formula One team, the three times world champion said on Tuesday.

"I am surprised by this decision that was made last night," the 53-year-old told Austrian television.

Ford, who own the Jaguar brand and fund the team, were due to hold a news conference in London at 1100 GMT on Tuesday at which a successor was expected to be named.

Lauda joined Jaguar as a special advisor in February 2001 and took over the top job from American Bobby Rahal six months later. He oversaw the under-performing team's efforts for the last few races of last year and the whole of this season.

Jaguar, who had entered F1 in 2000 after buying former world champion Jackie Stewart's team, finished seventh in the constructors' championship this year and have replaced both of their drivers for next year.

Lauda won the world championship in 1975 and 1977 with Ferrari and again in 1984 with McLaren. After quitting F1 for the second time in 1985 he built up a successful airline, Lauda Air.