Experienced Drivers Talk about “Then” and “Now” toyota-f1.com Interview |
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Juan Manuel Fangio II:
My Family's Motorsports Tradition |
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Toyota Cars have been a Part of My Life
• Are there motorsports events like the Goodwood in America?
“Yes, there are a few. One is a classic car race much like the Mille Miglia. Another—and this one is scheduled to happen in Buenos Aires, Argentina in July—is an event very similar to the Goodwood Festival. Although it still can’t match the scale of Goodwood, they are trying to put on an event along the same format. It looks like it will still be some time before they perfect the format, and put on an event as professional as what we have seen here.”
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The Eagle Mark III, dashing through the Goodwood course |
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• You drove Toyota cars to two consecutive IMSA championships. What is your personal opinion about Toyota race cars?
“I think you could say that Toyota is a part of my life. Together with Toyota I was able to experience great success in my career. I was able to develop a really special bond with the people on the Toyota staff—they were like my family. I have so many good memories—that’s the reason I came to Goodwood this year…to once again meet with the Toyota people, and to once again get behind the wheel of the Toyota 99, for which I had so much passion and excitement. I came to see
the faces of those friends with whom I have spent half of my lifetime.”
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• The name “Juan Manuel Fangio” is legendary in F1 history. I believe it is extremely important that the next generation learns of the great figures in racing history. As someone who has inherited the name “Fangio” what are your feelings about this?
“I am so proud to carry on this name. My uncle and father both loved motorsports, and they were open and kind human beings. No matter where in the world I go, I can hear stories about “Fangio.” I personally feel that this is such an honor, and I am extremely proud to be able to carry on the Fangio name.”
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This is the engine that brought the title to the Eagle Mark III. |
•I hope we can meet in Japan some time…
“As do I. Since retiring, I love to meet my old friends again. It would be nice to be able to do that in Japan next time.”
•Thank you for your time today.
“It was my pleasure.”
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