Gilles Villeneuve -The Life of the Legendary Racing Driver

Gilles displaying his trademark sideways style, Argentina 1981. Copyright International Press Agency

Throughout the history of F1 there's been drivers that come and go, with some making more of a mark than others, and in one particular case, a French-Canadian racer has certainly made one of the biggest indelible marks ever. In Gerald Donaldson's "Gilles Villeneuve - The life Of The Legendary Racing Driver", all the marks have been collated brilliantly in to one volume.

Gilles in relaxed mood. © The Toronto Star

Gilles, the son of a piano tuner father, was born in Richelieu, and grew up down the road in Berthierville, Quebec in Canada. He developed a competitive edge and a sense for speed at an early age, which never left him. Whether it was a car or a snowmobile (another form of racing he was rather good at), Gilles drove it without fear and with a complete belief in his ability. His extraordinary car control took him through the lower ranks up to Formula Atlantic, competing in races across North America in the 1970's. Early adversaries included Bobby Rahal and Keke Rosberg, which stood Gilles in good stead to challenge the really big names from Europe who came over occasionally for races. 1976 F1 World Champion James Hunt was so impressed with Gilles' ability, that he got him into his McLaren team as a third driver! Gilles was desperate to get into F1 and made enough of an impression that word got round to none other than Enzo Ferrari and he was hired. Within a year Gilles notched up victories and memorable performances. He'd certainly arrived!

F1 folk, fans, and the media were all blown away by the little and shy French-Canadian's incredible though often unorthodox, style of racing. As the title of Donaldson's book states, Gilles became a legend in his own lifetime. All the famous races are thoroughly documented -his last lap battle with Rene Arnoux in France; driving in the rain to third place in Canada with his vision obscured by his broken front wing; and holding off a train of four cars with worn-out tyres on his way to victory in Spain.

Gilles wins first Grand Prix, Canada 1978. © Parent Collection

The book immediately informs the reader with a Prologue, of the impact on the racing world of the tragic day in May 1982, when Gilles was killed during qualifying for the Belgian GP. I myself, who was watching on a black and white portable TV, remember the news coming through during the Saturday afternoon sports programme that Gilles had had a big accident, and later that evening when his death was confirmed, have the events brought back vividly to mind through the text. In fact the book doesn't shy away from mortality, or that Gilles could have a career or life ending crash sooner or later.

The chapter headings all deal with a similar theme, for example -"Early Times," "The Time Of His Life" and "Time Runs Out."

What a duel -Villeneuve vs Arnoux, Dijon 1979. © Phipps Photographic

Donaldson, tries to write in a neutral way, without gushing admiration and exposes Gilles' faults for all to read. The admiration is left to come from captivating quotes from other drivers, team personnel, fans, journalists, and well, anyone who knew him. The book also received assistance with content from writer Len Coates who was planning to write with Gilles, and also journalist Nigel Roebuck who was friends with him. Between them, Gilles' voice is heard on various aspects of his career, whether it was family, racing or his desire to spend his earnings on expensive toys like his helicopter.

His chopper was driven in the same flat-out way as his car was, and brought fear and white knuckles to his passengers in every journey! Stories of such incidents are compelling, and tales of almost lunatic fast drives such as the daily run between Monte Carlo (the home) and Maranello (the office), are hilarious! Getting round the wrath of armed border police with a few autographs, were all in a day's work for the superstar that was Gilles Villeneuve! This is just one of many funny moments that help to maintain a lighter mood, despite the book's undercurrent that this kind of lifestyle can't last for ever.

Published in 1989, the book is prior to Gilles' son Jacques F1 racing career taking off (though he was in Italian F3 by then), and no father and son comparisons are made. Photos of Gilles and Jacques are of course included amongst the 16 pages of colour and black and white images, along with pictures of his most renowned number 27 Ferrari, and also his closest friends -manager Gaston Parent, and colleague Jody Scheckter. At 352 pages this biography is a well crafted, engrossing and enjoyable look at the fabulous world of Gilles Villenueve. You'll be awake late reading this one!