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Fangio exhumation suspended as 'second son' makes claim

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The shocking exhumation process of five-time World Champion Juan Manuel Fangio's remains has been temporarily suspended by a judge in La Plata, the capital city of Buenos Aires.

Last week, a court in Mar del Plata ruled that the legendary driver's body should be exhumed in order to conduct DNA testing to verify claims made by Oscar Cesar Espinoza who alleges to be Fangio's son.

The process has been delayed however following the emergence of a second claim from Ruben Vazquez, with the court in La Plata ordering the suspension of proceedings pending the outcome of Vazquez' case which was apparently initiated prior to Espinoza's claim.

Fangio never recognised any children during his life, and was never married although he did enjoy a long-term relationship with companion Andrea Berruet, the mother of second claimant Espinoza.

Fangio passed away twenty years ago this week, at the of 84 years-old.

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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.