Greater Noida, Oct 26 (IANS): Three-time Formula One world champion Niki Lauda was stumped here when a TV channel presenter asked the Austrian whether he was an Australian who loved cricket.

“I am not from Australia. I am from Austria,” Lauda clarified to the presenter of a leading news channel at the Buddh International Circuit here Saturday.

Lauda, who won his world titles in 1975, 1977 and 1984, is an all time great alongside Michael Schumacher, Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost.

A film called "Rush" made on his rivalry with Englishman James Hunt has been appreciated around the world. Hunt clinched the title in 1976 after contender Lauda decided to bring his Ferrari to the pits at the finale in Fuji, Japan.

The same season, Lauda suffered a life threatening crash at Nurburgring, Germany.

“I saw the movie the same way like you guys. It feels great that it is doing well. Eighty percent of the film and my role is real,” said Lauda.