From GMM

Sir Jackie Stewart will work at grand prix circuits for free in 2009, following criticism of his highly-paid ambassadorial role with the struggling British bank RBS.

After the Royal Bank of Scotland had to be bailed out by the British taxpayer amid the global financial crisis, the spotlight fell on the institution's most extravagant cash-splashing, including its sponsorship of the Williams team.

But it was perhaps former triple world champion Stewart, 69, who felt the most pressure, particularly after he responded to RBS staff cuts recently by saying "I signed a contract and have done my bit".

However, Scottish media on Saturday revealed that while Stewart will accept his approximately 1m euros in 2010 and 2011, he will work for nothing this year.

"This is a tremendous gesture by Sir Jackie, who has worked with great success for the bank since 2004," an RBS spokesman said.