Villeneuve Pironi: Racing's Untold Tragedy
Discussion
entropy said:
Gilles' hair raising exploits off-track were just as legendary recounted by peers and journalists such as racing from Monaco to Maranello and back again and then there was his helicopter... even Jacques has said they are his best memories which can sound uncomfortable after Colin McRae's tarnished legacy. Different times and different attitudes.
I read that Gilles used to like playing 'dare' with the fuel gauge in his helicopter. If true, crazy behaviour.Been an F1 fan since 1981 so I knew the subject matter pretty well.
Thought the documentary was very good and pretty even handed. Not speaking French I'd never heard the two Catherine's side of the story before. So that was novel.
Some pretty alarming footage in the film, none more so the close up helmet shots of Gilles in the pits as the Zolder Final Practice session progresses.
Thought the documentary was very good and pretty even handed. Not speaking French I'd never heard the two Catherine's side of the story before. So that was novel.
Some pretty alarming footage in the film, none more so the close up helmet shots of Gilles in the pits as the Zolder Final Practice session progresses.
paulguitar said:
entropy said:
Gilles' hair raising exploits off-track were just as legendary recounted by peers and journalists such as racing from Monaco to Maranello and back again and then there was his helicopter... even Jacques has said they are his best memories which can sound uncomfortable after Colin McRae's tarnished legacy. Different times and different attitudes.
I read that Gilles used to like playing 'dare' with the fuel gauge in his helicopter. If true, crazy behaviour.
LukeBrown66 said:
Apparently he had signed for someone or been very close to it before his crash, obviously pushed by what happened.
I think maybe McLaren or Renault, I cannot remember
There were rumours he was already signed to McLaren but I think it was Marlboro rep John Hogan confirming they were still only informal talks stage.I think maybe McLaren or Renault, I cannot remember
The deal was not about the passes, it was about the pit boards and the clear signal that meant hold station.
The big issue also was that once in front after the Renaults retired Gilles slowed the pace considerably, seconds a lap, these were unreliable cars, even at slow pace, yet after the error he made Pironi then upped the pace again, Gilles re-passed and slowed it down again, only for Didier to mug him on the last lap.
The problem was Gilles thought the agreement was being upheld, the boards told him that, sadly Pironi thought otherwise and chose the ignore them. Something he later regretted.
The big issue also was that once in front after the Renaults retired Gilles slowed the pace considerably, seconds a lap, these were unreliable cars, even at slow pace, yet after the error he made Pironi then upped the pace again, Gilles re-passed and slowed it down again, only for Didier to mug him on the last lap.
The problem was Gilles thought the agreement was being upheld, the boards told him that, sadly Pironi thought otherwise and chose the ignore them. Something he later regretted.
I enjoyed it , but having been around in period , some omissions surprised ( eg no mention of his debut at McLaren , implying a leap from F Atlantic to Ferrari ) and the portentous, doomy look and soundtrack grated. In my view, then and now , all that happened was that two team mates fell out - as happens every year . Zolder wasn't destined to happen , it wasn't a consequence of Imola but simply what happens when split second misjudgements are made at high speed .
I enjoyed seeing GV hurl his Ferrari 312T3 around Druids in the RoC 1979 as if it were an Escort rally car , but I doubt if I was the only one who wondered if he was going to live long enough to collect his pension. A parallel with Colin McRae perhaps , but at least GV didn't take anybody with him
I enjoyed seeing GV hurl his Ferrari 312T3 around Druids in the RoC 1979 as if it were an Escort rally car , but I doubt if I was the only one who wondered if he was going to live long enough to collect his pension. A parallel with Colin McRae perhaps , but at least GV didn't take anybody with him
Edited by coppice on Thursday 30th March 16:17
Still, after all these years , I try to block the whole Pironi thing from my memory. I find it too painful to contemplate the loss of a guy who was so sensational to watch and lived his life the way he wanted. It was probable that his luck may run out and , I’m sure , he knew that too .
After a near lifetime of love for motor racing , Gilles and Ayrton are the only two that have pictures hanging on my walls and books on shelves .
The limited edition print of him is rounding Casino Square in 1981 ,well out of shape with Pironi right behind him in 126CK ‘s and sums it all up for me . I rarely walk by it without looking after all this time.
After a near lifetime of love for motor racing , Gilles and Ayrton are the only two that have pictures hanging on my walls and books on shelves .
The limited edition print of him is rounding Casino Square in 1981 ,well out of shape with Pironi right behind him in 126CK ‘s and sums it all up for me . I rarely walk by it without looking after all this time.
Watched this last night, really enjoyed it.. although obviously incredibly sad. Only really remember snippets of it from back in the day, and what I read in old Grand Prix magazines. Some stuff towards the end of the film that I didn't know anything about at all, so was great to see that. Jacques also good to listen to, and can't believe that it's been 26 years since he was winning the championship.
I watched this yesterday evening and thought it was very good. It's an era of Motorsport I remember very well. Interesting interviews with the family members particularly Jacques Villeneuve I thought. I didn't know Didier Pironi had two sons and that one of them works for the Mercedes F1 team. Well worth a watch.
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