Gilles Villeneuve

Ferrari's Canadian driver, runner-up in 1979.

Gilles Villeneuve (18 January 1950 - 8 May 1982) was a Canadian racing driver who drove for Ferrari from 1977 until his death. He won six Grands Prix and finished runner-up in the 1979 championship.

Quick Facts

Nationality: Canadian
Ferrari: 1977-1982
Wins: 6
Pole positions: 2
Best championship: 2nd (1979)

Facts from the source article.

Background

He started in snowmobile racing in Quebec, won Formula Atlantic titles in Canada and the United States, and made his Formula One debut with McLaren at the 1977 British Grand Prix. Enzo Ferrari signed him, and he joined the team early after Niki Lauda left. His first win came at his home race in Canada in 1978; the Montreal circuit was later renamed after him. In 1979 he won three races and finished four points behind teammate Jody Scheckter, and his duel with Rene Arnoux at the French Grand Prix became famous. After a winless season with the 312T5 he won at Monaco and in Spain. He died after a collision with Jochen Mass in qualifying for the 1982 Belgian Grand Prix at Zolder. His record was six wins, two poles, eight fastest laps and 13 podiums.