Hakkinen named MobileKids ambassador.

Former F1 champion Mika Hakkinen has been named as an ambassador to DaimlerChrysler's worldwide road safety initiative MobileKids.

The Mercedes ace, who claimed the F1 title in 1998 and 1999 while driving for McLaren, was named as an ambassador on the eve of the latest round of the DTM, which takes place this weekend at the Nurburgring.

The initiative sets out to arouse enthusiasm for road safety among children throughout the world. With the online city 'Mokitown', the TV series 'The Nimbols' and experience roadshows, MobileKids intends to sharpen children's awareness of appropriate behaviour in road traffic in an entertaining manner - with children learning in a playful way how to better assess their own situation, recognize hazards in good time and avoid them through careful behaviour.

As MobileKids ambassador, Hakkinen said he intended to show commitment to the objectives of this initiative.

"As a father of two children, I know how much depends on the implementation of the MobileKids idea," the Finn said. "My dream is that all children, wherever they may be in the world, can move safely and without danger in road traffic. That's why I'm becoming involved in MobileKids."

For more on the MobileKids scheme, visit www.mobilekids.net.