Bombardier named Vodafone McClaren Mercedes Formula One driver and rising star Lewis Hamilton, as its new Learjet Brand Ambassador at the Paris Air Show today (19 June).
Following Lewis' sensational start to his F1 career - winning back to back Grand Prix in Indianapolis and Montreal (Lear's hometown) and never being off the podium in seven starts - the rookie driver flew back across the Atlantic in the Lear's big sister, the Bombardier Challenger 604.
Bombardier business aircraft president, Pierre Gabriel Cote, introduced Hamilton to what was a press scrum at Le Bourget as the week's sales war between Airbus and Boeing was suddenly forgotten.
"Lewis Hamilton is our new image," he said. "His achievements have impressed the sporting world and he has tremendous potential to become a legend, just like the Learjet brand."
A relaxed Lewis, minded as ever by McClaren boss Ron Dennis, was more than happy to address the media. At 5' 7", he is not tall, and is much the same in statue as legendary Formula One greats, Jim Clark and Ayrton Senna.