Friday May 23rd, 2003

The career of racing legend Juan Manuel Fangio has been commemorated with the unveiling of a life-size bronze statue of the five-time Formula One World Champion on the Rascasse corner of the Monaco Grand Prix circuit.

Fangio, whose long-standing record of world titles could be beaten by current World Champion Michael Schumacher this year, won the Monaco Grand Prix twice during his career.

The statue, which also includes the Argentine driver's Mercedes-Benz W196, stands at the entrance to the circuit's narrow pitlane and was unveiled by DaimlerChrysler board member Professor Jurgen Hubbert.

"Fangio's name stands for motor racing passion, fair play and sportsmanship," said Hubbert. "The statue at this traditional location pays homage to a great racing driver and underlines his importance in the world of sport."

Fangio, who was nicknamed 'El Chueco', drove in the first Formula One World Championship in 1950 and won his first title in 1951 before winning four in a row between 1954 and 1957. He died in 1995 at the age of 84.

Published at 09:56:36 GMT

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