Ferrari celebrates on social media the birthday of the unforgettable and unforgettable Gilles Villeneuve. The Canadian driver, who tragically passed away in an accident during qualifying for the 1982 Belgian Grand Prix at Zolder, would have turned 75 today. Revealing a behind-the-scenes story about Gilles Villeneuve’s career was Piero Ferrari, in an interview with Leo Turrini published in the Quotidiano Nazionale: the son of Enzo Ferrari, who will turn 80 this year, not only spoke about the much-anticipated arrival of Lewis Hamilton at Maranello but also remembered a sliding doors moment in Villeneuve’s career.

The memory of the vice chairman and non-executive director of Ferrari goes back to 1978, the first real full season in which Gilles Villeneuve raced with Ferrari after competing in the last two Grand Prix of the 1977 season with the Scuderia. According to Piero Ferrari, Enzo’s intention for 1979 was to send Gilles to gain experience with another team, due to the numerous accidents that had characterized his first months at Maranello. A decision that changed course because of Carlos Reutemann’s sudden choice to leave Ferrari and move to Lotus.

Gilles Villeneuve “legend by accident”

“In 1978,” explains Ferrari, “my father had decided to send Villeneuve to gain experience with another team, he was getting into too many accidents. I was supposed to tell Gilles the news, but on the same day, the Argentine Reutemann made it known that he was leaving us. Dad reached me quickly, through his secretary Gozzi, because at that point I had to tell the Canadian that we would keep him. Sometimes legends are born almost by accident!”

Ferrari had chosen Riccardo Patrese

This theory, that Enzo Ferrari had considered parting ways with Gilles Villeneuve for 1979, is not in conflict with what Riccardo Patrese wrote in his book *F1 Backstage*. The Venetian driver actually recounts in his autobiography, written with Giorgio Terruzzi, that he had met the Drake to sign a letter of intent: “That year, Gilles had caused a lot of trouble, and under heavy media pressure, Enzo Ferrari had pointed me out as a possible replacement for Villeneuve. He revealed himself to me in a very different way from how he was described, and he proposed that I sign a letter of intent stating that I would not make commitments for 1979.”

An agreement that, like every sliding doors moment, eventually fell through almost by accident. The decisive factor in Ferrari’s final choice was the last race of the 1978 season, where Gilles Villeneuve crossed the finish line first at his home race in Montreal. This victory convinced the Drake of the driver’s competitive maturity, leading him to believe that he could still win his greatest bet. The rest is history, with Gilles Villeneuve staying at Ferrari and playing a crucial role in helping Jody Scheckter win the 1979 title.

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During the night between Wednesday and Thursday, criminals reportedly broke in and sawed off the ankles of the life-sized statue of the driver, which stands 1.68 meters tall. The thieves then took away the upper part of the statue, leaving only the feet and the base.

This act of vandalism has left the museum director, Alain Bellehumour, in shock. “It hurts to see that only the boots remain on the statue. For us, it was a historical and highly symbolic monument,” he told the Journal de Montréal – “It is a lack of respect and culture. We have so few historical figures who have made an impact in Quebec like he did. It gives us chills to know that we have shattered it, without caring about anything.”

The statue was created by Jules Lasalle in 1984, two years after Gilles Villeneuve’s tragic death. The artist has also made statues of Maurice Richard, Guy Lafleur, and Jean Béliveau.

The sculptor is particularly saddened for the Lanaudière community, where the driver lived. “It’s not common in the region for people to be so involved in a project like this to pay tribute to an important person,” he stated to the Journal. At the time, the bronze statue cost about $25,000, equivalent to roughly $64,000 today. It’s not the artwork itself, but its historical value that is concerning. Museum staff fear that the thieves will commit the irreparable act of melting down the metal to sell it for a few dollars.

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The 1982 San Marino Grand Prix at the Imola circuit is remembered as the stage for the most dramatic feud in Formula 1 history, a story that pitted teammates Didier Pironi and Gilles Villeneuve against each other. What should have been a success for Scuderia Ferrari turned into a battleground that left indelible scars in the memory of the sport.

During that weekend, the rivalry between Pironi and Villeneuve erupted in full force. The FOCA teams’ boycott had reduced the number of participants, but the on-track competition between the two Ferrari drivers was at its peak. Villeneuve, after taking the lead on lap 27, found himself battling not only against his opponents but also against his teammate.

When Ferrari’s pit wall displayed the infamous “slow” sign, Villeneuve interpreted it as an instruction to maintain their positions. Pironi, however, saw an opportunity to take the lead and seized it, overtaking Villeneuve on the final lap and taking the victory. The sign was intended as a signal to slow down and preserve the cars, given that the team was in a favorable position. The main objective was to avoid unnecessary risks and ensure a double podium for the Scuderia, maintaining positions without pushing the notoriously delicate cars (126 C2) too hard.

A Bitter Taste

This move was perceived by the Canadian driver as an unprecedented betrayal. For Villeneuve, Pironi had not only broken a tacit agreement between teammates but had also destroyed a friendship. Gilles left Imola with a bitter resolve: he would never speak to Didier Pironi again and would restore order at the next race.

Fate, however, was cruel. Two weeks later, during qualifying for the Belgian Grand Prix at Zolder, Villeneuve lost his life in a tragic accident. The rivalry that began at Imola became a dark legend in Formula 1, forever fueling speculation about how much that episode had influenced Villeneuve’s behavior on the track.

After the Imola race, Villeneuve sought clarification from Enzo Ferrari, but the founder of the Scuderia was clear: what mattered was Ferrari’s victory, not that of an individual driver. This only served to further exacerbate the already tense atmosphere within the team. Ferrari had secured its 27th one-two finish, but at what cost?

1982 remains one of the most tragic years in Ferrari’s history and in the entire F1 Circus. Internal tensions, a powerful but dangerous car, and a lack of management of the rivalry between drivers led to devastating consequences. The history of Formula 1 is marked by “what ifs” and “buts,” but the events of Imola 1982 remain a lesson in how managing on-track rivalries is crucial for the success and safety of all involved.

Source: paddocknews24

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Great success for the documentary film ‘Villeneuve-Pironi’ at the International Motor Film Awards in London, an international event focused on the best films related to the world of motorsport. In this edition, the film was awarded Best Feature Documentary and the Grand Prix Award, beating the competition from other Hollywood films such as Fast and Furious, John Wick Chapter 4 and Gran Turismo.

A Unique Story

Produced by Noah Media Group in collaboration with Sky Italia and Sky Studios, the film traces the friendship between the two Ferrari drivers in the early 1980s, with the 1982 San Marino Grand Prix breaking this bond due to an internal on-track battle. Gilles Villeneuve, the race leader, was overtaken by the Frenchman just a few laps before the checkered flag. The episode led to a spectacular battle between the two but ended with Didier Pironi’s victory. Feeling betrayed by his friend’s move, the Canadian driver decided to seek revenge in the subsequent races, but tragically lost his life during the qualifying session for the next race at Zolder.

Exceeding Expectations

A touching story made emotional by the memories and testimonies of the families of both late drivers: “The story is really about how the families, wives, friends and children react to this situation and have to live with the void of not having a husband or father,” explained director Torquil Jones in an interview with Grandprix247.com. “The kind of long-term emotional scars that come from being with people for whom that unique passion truly takes precedence over everything.” The double recognition was warmly welcomed by John McKenna, CEO of Noah Media Group: “All members of Noah Media Group are thrilled to receive two awards from the International Motor Film Award jury,” he commented. “Winning the Grand Prix Award, open to all categories, has exceeded all expectations. A huge thank you to the Villeneuve and Pironi families for entrusting us with their touching story. Being recognized by those who are part of the sport in this way is extraordinary. We are very proud of the entire team that made the film.”

The Legend of Gilles

There was also great emotion from Mélanie Villeneuve, daughter of ‘The Aviator’ and sister of Jacques, Formula 1 world champion in 1997: “I am deeply honored and frankly stunned by the Grand Prix Award,” she concluded. “It is touching to see that my father’s legacy not only resides in my heart but continues to shine around the world. Gilles and the automotive industry have always shared a special bond, and these awards symbolize his immortality.” The documentary, which has been featured by Sky Italia multiple times, is available for streaming on NOW and on-demand.

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The bronze statue was stolen from its base in 2012 along with four other works dedicated to Tazio Nuvolari, Vittorio Stanguellini, Juan Manuel Fangio, and Eugenio Castellotti, which had been placed in the immediate vicinity of the entrances to Via Emilia Est and Viale Autodromo.

The stolen goods were never found, but the effigy of Gilles was remade and placed back in the Enzo Ferrari Park. Alessandro Rasponi had kept a copy that he decided to give to the Zolder racetrack this year, where former Ferrari driver Gilles Villeneuve lost his life on May 8, 1982, in the qualifying accident after the tragic incident with Jochen Mass’ March.

Giulio Giulietti, president of the Ferrari Club in Genk, worked to get in touch with the enthusiastic director of the circuit, Harry Steegmans, who was immediately willing to place the monument at the Terlaemen corner after a delegation of Ferrari fans had paid tribute to the Canadian driver’s memory last year on the 40th anniversary of his tragic death.

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One year later, the delegation returned to the Flemish circuit to discover the bust of Gilles in the presence of an emotional Alessandro Rasponi. At 6 pm on May 8th, a moving ceremony began that unites the tragic Zolder with Modena in the memory of one of the Ferrari drivers who has remained in the hearts of the fans the most, eternalizing a legend that is not at all affected by the passage of time.

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In the midst of modern racing’s most dangerous era, two daring Ferrari teammates were battling for the world championship, but at the San Marino Grand Prix Didier Pironi broke an unwritten agreement, “stealing” victory from his close friend Gilles Villeneuve on the final lap.

This act of “betrayal” broke a sacred bond and their relationship soon spiralled into a vengeful rivalry. Villeneuve and Pironi would never speak to each other again, and within a matter of weeks, tragedy would strike.

For four decades, rumour, bitterness, and myth has surrounded that duel in San Marino and its aftermath.

In a plot laden with mystery and intrigue, each compelling twist and turn is revealed as the film uncovers the truth behind that unwritten agreement on the last fateful lap.

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Villeneue Pironi is a modern-day Shakespearean epic. It is the story of two of the fastest racers in history, their brief and violent intertwined lives, and the emotional scars still felt today by their closest loved ones. Above all, it is a life-affirming film that explores love, loss, and legacy, in a sport where passion overcomes fear. Directed by Torquil Jones (Netflix’s 14 Peaks: Nothing is Impossible), the film stars Formula One World Champions Jacques Villeneuve, Alain Prost, and Sir Jackie Stewart, alongside the Villeneuve & Pironi families.

Here is the official trailer:

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“Gilles [Villeneuve] always drove as if each lap was his last” Bobby Rahal once said (even when returning to the pits).

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The documentary film directed by Torquil Jones is produced by Sky Studios Italia and the British indie Noah Media Group. It explores one of the most controversial events in the history of Formula 1. The year is 1982, and we are obviously referring to the moment when French driver Didier Pironi broke an unwritten agreement with his Ferrari teammate and close friend Gilles Villeneuve, “stealing” his victory on the last lap of the Grand Prix of San Marino. Two weeks later, Gilles Villeneuve died in an accident at Zolder and the two no longer had the chance to get past the moment.

In the docufilm we will see the two iconic red Ferrari cars fighting for first place on the track, with the Italian commentary of the time. In addition to the historical images, there will be recent testimonies from the families of Villeneuve and Pironi, gathered for the first time to reveal the untold story after four decades of rumors, bitterness and myths about the duel and its aftermath. Gilles’ son Jacques Villeneuve, also a Formula 1 champion, will be there, along with other famous drivers such as Alain Prost and Jackie Stewart, and former F1 chief executive Bernie Ecclestone is also among the collaborators.

Director Torquil Jones, who co-wrote the film with Noah Media colleague Gabriel Clarke, also directed the Netflix documentaries ’14 Peaks: Nothing is Impossible’ and ‘Bobby Robson: More Than a Manager’.

The producers are John McKenna, Jones, Roberto Pisoni, Dino Vannini and Gaia Pasetto, with former F1 driver Mark Webber also helping them.

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“The film is exploring how far a person’s passion can go, how it affects their loved ones, how they overcome fear and danger, how passion can become limitless, and what happens when different passions collide.” – Torquil Jones said. “It’s a story about family, love, memory and grieving. For me, the film is about that, with motor racing as a background.”

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