60 Today! Remembering Gilles Villeneuve

- Published on Jan 18th, 2010 by Riccardo Monza

Happy Birthday to Gilles Villeneuve, the legendary driver and father of 1997 World Champion Jacques. Gilles, born 18th January 1950, would have been 60 today had he not passed away in a tragic accident in May 1982. Actually there was some confusion over Gilles' real age when he arrived in F1, as he fibbed to everyone that he was 25 and not in fact 27! He thought that he was getting on a bit and wouldn't be considered for a job.

Here at F1 Badger, we like to remember the good times - the spectacular sideways flat-out driving, daring overtaking, fearless bravery, his passion, and his honest approach to racing. The photo of Gilles seen here with his wife Joann in 1979, is on the podium at Brands Hatch, after he won the F1 Non Championship event -The Race Of Champions, in his 12 cylinder Ferrari. It seems a very formal affair with the Horse Guards in the background, armed with trumpets to blast anyone who should dare to try to pinch Gilles' trophy! This was Gilles' third F1 win in a row and showed his critics that he was a force to be reckoned with.

Happy Birthday Gilles wherever you are. You may be gone but never forgotten.