Button heads to Goodwood with Fangio's Jaguar

©Instagram

Jenson Button will step back in time at next weekend's classic Goodwood Revival event where the 2009 F1 world champion will race a car steeped in history.

Button and his good friend Alex Buncombe will share the wheel of a 1952 Jaguar C-Type once owned by the great Juan Manuel Fangio and which is now in the care of the former McLaren driver.

The entry promises to be a star attraction at Goodwood, offering fans – and Button – a glimpse into the golden age of racing while bringing together two racing legends from the past and the present.

©Instagram

Chassis XKC018 was purchased in October 1952 by Fangio, who had won his first world title in F1 the previous year, via Jaguar’s Belgian agent.

"My beauty’s prior owner was the exceptional Juan Manuel Fangio who dominated F1 in the 1950s by winning five World Championships," Button wrote on Instagram.

"He bought XKC018 as a road car, she’s the only bronze Jaguar C-type produced by the factory. Cool, right?

"In the early years, this car was raced in South America, arriving in Europe a couple of decades ago, and won at Classic Le Mans, classic Monaco and Goodwood. Fingers crossed this bronze beauty will win again!

"How exciting, the countdown is on; in six days I'm set to race her at Goodwood Revival with my pal Alex Buncombe."

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.