VIENNA, June 12: Fans of Austrian Formula One racer-turned-airline boss Niki Lauda can now take their idol to bed in the form of a cuddly rat.Niki the rat, made by German toy-makers Steiff, is 37 cm (15 inches) high and weighs 130 grammes, Austrian television reported today. He comes complete with gnawing teeth, red overalls, black boxer shorts and Lauda’s trademark red baseball cap.
“The rat was my role model in the animal kingdom, with its high intelligence and instinct for survival,” Lauda said at the presentation.