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back to the pits at breakneck speed, convinced that the problem could be fixed. When the mechanics made him get out of the car to have a look even he had to admit defeat. In America, during a wet practise session, Gilles was an astonishing 11 seconds a lap quicker than anyone else. Scheckter took the championship in 1979, clinching the title at Monza. Running line astern Villeneuve dutifully stayed behind Scheckter even though doing so meant the end of his own title hopes. Scheckter suspected that Gilles could have passed him any time he wanted, but he was not that kind of man.

1980 was a disaster and brought no victories for either driver. Disillusioned, Scheckter retired at the end of it. Despite the obvious deficiencies of his Ferrari Gilles still managed to drag it into positions it had no right to occupy. 1981 promised to be better, with the arrival of a turbocharged engine.

The 126C of 1981 proved to be an absolute dog of a car. Nevertheless, Gilles scored two memorable victories in Monaco and Spain, utilising the power of the Ferrrari turbo to overcome the handling problems of the chassis. They were to be the final wins of his career. His new team-mate was Frenchman Didier Pironi. Although they both got along well Gilles' wife found it strange that they were not invited to Pironi's wedding.

Any suspicions Gilles may have had of Pironi were justified in 1982 at Imola, scene of the San Marino GP. Late in the race the Ferrari's held a comfortable lead, with Gilles in front. Team orders were issued to slow down and save fuel. The lap charts would reveal that Gilles did just this, but Pironi chose to pass. Assuming that his team-mate wanted to put on a show for the Italian fans, Gilles played along, although he noticed that Pironi lapped significantly quicker when he was leading. The pace would drop back again when Villeneuve took over. On the final lap, Pironi dived up the inside of Villeneuve at the last feasible overtaking place on the circuit, catching Gilles unawares. Pironi held on to take the win, leaving Villeneuve feeling livid and betrayed. He vowed never to speak to Pironi again. Apart from an accidental remark to him, he never did. Two weeks later Gilles Villeneuve was dead, killed in qualifying for the Belgian GP at Zolder.

Today the name of Gilles Villeneuve is still revered by racing fans of all nationalities. The circuit in Montreal where he scored his first win is now named in his honour, and in 1997 his son Jacques won the Formula 1 World Championship. He was a hard but fair driver on the track who provided Formula 1 with some of its greatest moments. It is little wonder that the little guy from Quebec is remembered with such affection.

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