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Formula 1 fame
Gilles’s relationship with McLaren did not work out, because other drivers had larger sponsorships, but he landed at Ferrari, where he became a favorite of Enzo Ferrari. In his first year with Ferrari he had plenty of problems through the season as he got used to the cars, often drifting through corners in snowmobile style. This won him many fans, but also many mechanical failures, as well as crashed cars.
All was forgiven at season’s end as he won his first F1 race, the Canadian Grand Prix, at the inaugural race on the new Canadian Ille Notre Dame Circuit. Canadians went nuts and his place in the Ferrari team was secured. That racetrack now bears his name.
His 1979 season was his most successful, finishing second to teammate Jody Scheckter in the F1 World Championship. Both won three races, but Gilles had more mechanical problems and DNF’s due to his aggressive style, while Scheckter was better at nursing his cars home for points.
Gilles raced the 1980 and 81 seasons for Ferrari and in 1982 was on a fast qualifying lap at the Belgian Grand Prix when he came up on a slower racer. Gilles tried to pass on the outside, while the driver moved in the same direction to give room on the inside. His left front wheel drove up the other car’s right rear, catapulting him into the air and cartwheeling off the track in a horrifying crash that cost Gilles his life.
The aftermath was one of stunned grief across both Europe and North America. Gilles had won an army of fans in Canada and Europe for his intense and flamboyant driving style and his always charming, almost shy character.
In snowmobile racing Gilles was known not only for his riding talent, but also for his technical abilities. His IFS Skiroule started the industry down the road to IFS suspensions when Bob Eastman decided to make Polaris race sleds with IFS.
Gilles’ brother Jacques also raced cars, winning two Atlantic Championships, two Can-Am Championships and an Indy Car race at Elkhart Lake, Wis., in 1985.
Gilles’ son Jacques won an F1 World Championship in 1997 and the Indy 500 and Indy Car Championship in 1995.
Gilles’ brother Jacques still races snowmobiles, in his 50s, and is as good as ever despite a severe 2008 crash. Last year at Eagle River, he drove from the last row to a third place finish, in one of the best performances I’ve seen from him in years. He was aggressive, but smooth, looking more like Gilles than I ever remember seeing him. He is still chasing Championship No. 4, and if you want to see a Villeneuve in action, watch for Jacques at Eagle River.
The Villeneuve “never quit” spirit lives on.