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May 8th: Gilles Villeneuve

Started by GeorgeTheCar , Mar 05 2007 02:51

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338 replies to this topic

#201 mfd

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Posted 26 April 2012 - 12:15

This information is correct. From 1978 until his death Gilles (and many others) were wearing GPA helmets.

Nearly correct. Throughout 1977, 1978 and starting the 79 season Villeneuve wore a Bell. The GPA only appeared part way through 1979.

#202 Marc Sproule

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Posted 26 April 2012 - 13:21

The helmets he wore in North America from '75 on are in here...

http://www.flickr.co...57629543841653/

#203 Aviator

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Posted 27 April 2012 - 03:46

Nearly correct. Throughout 1977, 1978 and starting the 79 season Villeneuve wore a Bell. The GPA only appeared part way through 1979.

Yes, sorry for the mistake, I was wrong, you are absolutely right.

#204 Missyb

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Posted 29 April 2012 - 09:05

Not sure if this has already been mentioned (I had a quick skim) but there is a feature on Gilles in "Car" magazine this month. I'm guessing it will shortly be replaced by the June edition, but was in the shops yesterday when I had a look. There isn't anything in the article that fans wouldn't already know, but it has a few good photos in.

ETA - This is in the UK, not sure if it's available elsewhere.

Edited by Missyb, 29 April 2012 - 09:05.

#205 cheesy poofs

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Posted 29 April 2012 - 22:34

Gilles' snowmobile days.

http://www.auto123.c...eo?artid=139909

http://www.retrosno....iscpage_001.asp

Edited by cheesy poofs, 29 April 2012 - 22:37.

#206 E1pix

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Posted 29 April 2012 - 23:02

Awesome, Fabulous, Thank You! :up:

#207 cheesy poofs

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Posted 06 May 2012 - 11:16

http://www.27gilles....tigli27_big.jpg

http://p.twimg.com/A...EVgCs.jpg:large

Edited by cheesy poofs, 06 May 2012 - 11:23.

#208 JacnGille

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Posted 06 May 2012 - 14:22

#209 cheesy poofs

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Posted 06 May 2012 - 17:18

The city of Modena will be hosting this exposition commemorating the legend that was Gilles Villeneuve.

http://www.motorvall...d-his-time.html

http://www.modenater...ish/?tac=mostra

#210 David M. Kane

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Posted 06 May 2012 - 17:43

http://www.27gilles....tigli27_big.jpg

http://p.twimg.com/A...EVgCs.jpg:large

It is good to see his wife smiling! How cool would it have been to be there for that event!

Edited by David M. Kane, 06 May 2012 - 17:45.

#211 E1pix

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Posted 06 May 2012 - 23:15

You took both sentences right out of my mouth! So nice to see Joann's take on this event.

30 years later and I still can't get enough of Gilles. We have #298/500 of Nicholas Watts' fabulous Ragged Edge painting hanging above our bed (my wife loved him too, though never saw him race). Our car carries a Gilles helmet decal, and our most-recent year in karting (2002) used another Gilles helmet sticker on my steering wheel. I'd look at it on every grid, and at times before an edgy move, and it hangs on my office wall today.

When I sold the kart I noted "does not include steering wheel."

#212 Henri Greuter

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Posted 07 May 2012 - 06:34

I still find it difficult to cope with May 8, 1982,

Recently I found a little bit of info about one of gilles'least known races: the 1979 Giro d'italia.

Found it in the book; "Lancia 037: The Development and Rally History of a World Champion" by Peter Collins.
Seems as if Gilles had difficulties with accepting to be beaten by Patrese in a similar car, the Beta Monte Carlo Turbo

Are other fans of Gillea aware of where we can find more info about this event and Gilles' participation in that?

Henri

#213 cheesy poofs

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Posted 07 May 2012 - 11:25

I still find it difficult to cope with May 8, 1982,

Recently I found a little bit of info about one of gilles'least known races: the 1979 Giro d'italia.

Found it in the book; "Lancia 037: The Development and Rally History of a World Champion" by Peter Collins.
Seems as if Gilles had difficulties with accepting to be beaten by Patrese in a similar car, the Beta Monte Carlo Turbo

Are other fans of Gillea aware of where we can find more info about this event and Gilles' participation in that?

Henri

I know very little if this event Henri. But I did find this picture of Gilles and Walter Rohl in their Lancia together.
http://www.lionspavu...smo/augit03.jpg

I think it's a normal reaction to see a driver get upset or whatever you call it at being upstaged by another driver. But in all his years racing, I've heard little or no bad quotes from Gilles being upset at getting beaten by his teammate or competitor. And that did happen in his short-loved career.

The one time we ever heard him voice anything negative...was after that fateful San Marino GP.

#214 Henri Greuter

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Posted 07 May 2012 - 12:07

I know very little if this event Henri. But I did find this picture of Gilles and Walter Rohl in their Lancia together.
http://www.lionspavu...smo/augit03.jpg

I think it's a normal reaction to see a driver get upset or whatever you call it at being upstaged by another driver. But in all his years racing, I've heard little or no bad quotes from Gilles being upset at getting beaten by his teammate or competitor. And that did happen in his short-loved career.

The one time we ever heard him voice anything negative...was after that fateful San Marino GP.

Thanks for the picture!

Something else that should not be forgotten is the fact that Patrese had raced the Beta Monte Carlo Turbo already that year and thus knew the car better than Gilles did. So the defeat was to some extend explainable.

Henri

#215 cheesy poofs

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Posted 07 May 2012 - 21:11

Ferrari's own tribute to Gilles.

http://www.ferrari.c...villeneuve.aspx

#216 Missyb

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Posted 07 May 2012 - 21:41

Lovely photo of Joann - good to see her smiling. There were some other photos from that event, I'll see if I can try and locate them.

https://twitter.com/#!/pianieri/status/...9683457/photo/1

Peter Windsor tweeted this today: http://mag.gpweek.com/#folio=24

#217 cheesy poofs

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Posted 07 May 2012 - 21:52

Famed Ferrari mechanic Giulio Borsari revving up Gilles' Ferrari.

http://www.youtube.c...be_gdata_player

#218 jj2728

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Posted 07 May 2012 - 22:09

Famed Ferrari mechanic Giulio Borsari revving up Gilles' Ferrari.

http://www.youtube.c...be_gdata_player

Fantastico!

#219 E1pix

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Posted 07 May 2012 - 22:18

Man, that is awesome. Thanks for posting this, Cheesy. :up:

I don't know whether to laugh, cry, reminisce, do something to stop the hair standing up on my neck... or all four.

The right car, track, and sound... just not the driver:
http://www.youtube.c...feature=related

Edited by E1pix, 07 May 2012 - 22:40.

#220 JacnGille

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Posted 08 May 2012 - 01:31

1981 Monaco GP
http://www.ferrari.c...2e-c0f35549cbbe

#221 Marc Sproule

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Posted 08 May 2012 - 01:57

Gilles and Joanne....

http://www.flickr.co...157624008130538

http://www.flickr.co...157624008130538

My Gilles set..

http://www.flickr.co...57624008130538/

#222 cheesy poofs

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Posted 08 May 2012 - 02:46

If you've ever wondered where most of Gilles' helmets, gloves and race worn suits have gone...look no further than here. Most of these items belong to the Giacobazzi family and can be seen here.

http://foto.ilsole24...fotogallery.php

#223 chrisj

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Posted 08 May 2012 - 03:03

Gilles and Joanne....

My Gilles set..

http://www.flickr.co...57624008130538/

Marc, everytime you post a link to your great photos, I lose another hour (or two) ... You were very lucky to have seen so many of the man's races in person. I can't believe it has been 30 years. The guy was such a hero to me as a kid.

#224 Marc Sproule

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Posted 08 May 2012 - 03:45

Marc, everytime you post a link to your great photos, I lose another hour (or two) ... You were very lucky to have seen so many of the man's races in person. I can't believe it has been 30 years. The guy was such a hero to me as a kid.

I'm glad you are enjoying my pics.

And yes, I was very fortunate to have stumbled onto the Atlantic series when I did. I wish that I had been a more experienced photog when I started taking racing pics. There would have been a lot more good images of all those in the series, not just Gilles.

Gordon Kirby is one of my oldest friends in racing. We are rarely able to get together anymore but we talk frequently. It's a rare conversation when one of us doesn't bring up the fact that were lucky in the extreme to have seen what we did in our careers.

Gilles was a major reason for our good fortune.

#225 FigJam

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Posted 08 May 2012 - 03:46

Just want to say, as a lifelong Villeneuve fan (first with Gilles and then following Jacques career from his Atlantic days) this thread is simply magic. :up:

Gilles was tragically taken from us far too early, I've always thought he certainly would have been World Champion and thrilled us no end through the 80's along with the other members of the golden 80's era. Whether that would have been with Ferrari or elsewhere (McLaren more likely or even his own team) is another story in itself.

Looking forward to seeing Jacques at Fiorano in his fathers Ferrari.

Gilles...still terribly missed. Unbelievable to think its 30 years now.

#226 TooTall

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Posted 08 May 2012 - 04:28

Salut Gilles.
Posted Image

#227 Marc Sproule

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Posted 08 May 2012 - 05:49

Salut Gilles.

That small front wing says volumes about how things were in those days.

#228 Aviator

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Posted 08 May 2012 - 06:13

Gilles was a unique gift, a special present from God to us. Unfortunately we had him for a short period of time, a spark...

Unmatched combination of very very special characteristics, sensitivity, ethos, innocence, abilities, clever mind, childish soul. His aura was so so strong!

He marked me, I was just 17, mourned every day without him, still do. I want to send my deepest feelings to his family, to his lovely lady Joann, to his beautiful intelligent and talented son and daughter.

Oh I wished I was in Fiorano today, to feel in my soul the out-of-this-world sound of his Ferrari revved up by Jacques, to cry and laugh at the same time, as his spirit will be there close to everything he loved. I wish I was in Zolder today also, to silently pay my tribute to him, to give my respect. I hope one day.

Angelo

#229 E1pix

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Posted 08 May 2012 - 06:20

Beautiful.

#230 Henri Greuter

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Posted 08 May 2012 - 07:02

For me, May 8th 1982 was spent in innocence. Being a student, I worked in a restaurant on Saturday afternoon and night so I went to bed that night without knowing yet what had happened that day. That was told to me the morning of May 9th.
Personally, May 9th '82 is a far more dark day to me than the 8th because of being told the news. But because of what did happen on May 8th in 1982, all following ones brought a moment of sadness when I remembered what happened, remembered the pleasure I had in racing because of him. Today is no different.

Despite the imperfections and errors that there were too, Gilles was the driver who bought me more pleasure then I felt with all the many Ferrari victories that I could celebrate since 1996 till the moment that I remained a Ferrari fan.
Victories and titles, and/or the lack of them don't tell the full story about a driver.
I only saw him drive in person once, but at least I've been able to follow his career while he was active. And able to make up my opinions about him not only becuase of reading and hearing about him alone.

Salut Gilles, addio and thanks for the memories.

Henri

#231 E1pix

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Posted 08 May 2012 - 07:25

#232 PLAYLIFE

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Posted 08 May 2012 - 09:23

I don't know whether to laugh, cry, reminisce, do something to stop the hair standing up on my neck... or all four.

Couldn't have said it better myself. It's been a strange day.

Salut Gilles!

#233 Tim Murray

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Posted 08 May 2012 - 09:46

Recently I found a little bit of info about one of Gilles' least known races: the 1979 Giro d'italia.

Found it in the book; "Lancia 037: The Development and Rally History of a World Champion" by Peter Collins.
Seems as if Gilles had difficulties with accepting to be beaten by Patrese in a similar car, the Beta Monte Carlo Turbo

Are other fans of Gilles aware of where we can find more info about this event and Gilles' participation in that?

Henri

Here’s what I’ve gleaned from the reports in Autosport and Motoring News. The event comprised rally stages, hillclimbs and eight circuit races. Gilles was teamed with the rally pairing of Walter Röhrl and Christian Geistdörfer. Due to testing commitments with Ferrari at Ricard, Gilles could only tackle the first four races, at Imola, Misano (twice) and Vallelunga. Röhrl did all the other driving. Patrese beat Gilles at Imola and Vallelunga. Gilles beat him at the first Misano race. No info on the second Misano race. The Lancia Beta Montecarlos finished first and second but were then disqualified for using motorways, which the event rules did not allow.

#234 Hamish Robson

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Posted 08 May 2012 - 09:51

I still remember 30 years ago. I was 13, at boarding school, and it was on the evening BBC news, I just remember the flurry of scarlet destruction from THAT tv clip. Awful, such a shock.

On the 1982 video review the commentary (excellent by Clive James) says "The Ferrari flew up in the air, tore itself to pieces, and threw its driver away". Brings a lump to my throat every time.

Coincidentally, Gilles shared the same birthday as my Dad.

Salut Gilles.

Edited by Hamish Robson, 08 May 2012 - 09:54.

#235 Missyb

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Posted 08 May 2012 - 10:00

I was born after he died but his legacy was told to me many times from my father who adored him - and met him a few times. It may seem strange for me to be so affected but I am - I have first hand anecdotes of a well thought of man, who raced for the love of racing. His gutso in life (although sadly cut short) inspires me today. I truly believe if he was alive now he would still be competing in some kind of motor/snowmobile racing, and that thought eases the pain.

Salut Gilles x

#236 Henri Greuter

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Posted 08 May 2012 - 10:29

Here’s what I’ve gleaned from the reports in Autosport and Motoring News. The event comprised rally stages, hillclimbs and eight circuit races. Gilles was teamed with the rally pairing of Walter Röhrl and Christian Geistdörfer. Due to testing commitments with Ferrari at Ricard, Gilles could only tackle the first four races, at Imola, Misano (twice) and Vallelunga. Röhrl did all the other driving. Patrese beat Gilles at Imola and Vallelunga. Gilles beat him at the first Misano race. No info on the second Misano race. The Lancia Beta Montecarlos finished first and second but were then disqualified for using motorways, which the event rules did not allow.

Thanks a lot!
Most appreciated.

henri

#237 Manfred Cubenoggin

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Posted 08 May 2012 - 10:31

30 years on... My, my...

Recalled as if it were yesterday. There will always be tears for him.

Salut, Gilles!

#238 Bruno

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Posted 08 May 2012 - 11:11

http://s7.photobucke...euve/?start=all

#239 Aviator

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Posted 08 May 2012 - 11:14

The last thing he did when he realized what it was coming? Amazingly... he turned off the engine to prevent the fire from the fuel. Gilles per sempre!

#240 arttidesco

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Posted 08 May 2012 - 11:41

To the most entertaining driver during my life time, Salut, Gilles !

#241 JacnGille

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Posted 08 May 2012 - 13:14

So many wonderful memories of him forcing a racing car to submit to his will. Man and machine as one.

#242 Russ Snyder

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Posted 08 May 2012 - 13:57

30 years have gone come and gone. we miss you! RIP

#243 cheesy poofs

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Posted 08 May 2012 - 14:47

I guess you can call me lucky.

http://instagr.am/p/KXpCt_p5c-/

#244 Andrew Hope

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Posted 08 May 2012 - 15:05

Wasn't even born until 1991 but thanks to Youtube, I have a decent sense of all that I missed. Godspeed.

Posted Image

#245 AvranaKern

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Posted 08 May 2012 - 15:21

From Autosport:

"...di Montezemolo told Rai Sport during a special event at Fiorano on Tuesday to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Gilles Villeneuve's death."

English is not my mother tongue, but I sense an uncomfortable feeling from that word. Is that so?

#246 cheesy poofs

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Posted 08 May 2012 - 15:24

Jacques Villeneuve Sr is still very active racing snowmobiles. Although it is in French, I recommend watching this video because this is how Gilles and Jacques Sr are. Just crazy about racing!

#247 Coral

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Posted 08 May 2012 - 15:30

30 years on...I miss you so much Gilles, RIP. :cry:

#248 charles r

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Posted 08 May 2012 - 15:33

30 years ago, remembered as yesterday. RIP Gilles.

#249 Missyb

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Posted 08 May 2012 - 15:42

I guess you can call me lucky.

http://instagr.am/p/KXpCt_p5c-/

Very lucky - must have been very emotional.

#250 E1pix

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Posted 08 May 2012 - 16:43

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May 8th: Gilles Villeneuve

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