The 2012 season marks the 30th anniversary of the death of Formula 1 driver Gilles Villeneuve. Here is what his friend Patrick Tambay has to say.
Frenchman Patrick Tambay was a close friend of Gilles Villeneuve. He took over driving duties of the famous No. 27 Ferrari Formula 1 car after Villeneuve's death in May of 1982.
“Inevitably, all French drivers became friends with Gilles Villeneuve. He made us all discover the province of Quebec and French-speaking Canadians. He was a fantastic ambassador of his country. He used to take us in the deep woods in his pickup truck.” Tambay told us.
“I came to Quebec on several occasions when I was racing Formula Atlantics and Can-Ams. It was Gilles who made me discover the warmth of the people and I have since become close friends with several of them. Gilles was also a very good friend and I helped him find a place to live in Europe when he started his Formula 1 career,” said Tambay who raced for teams Ensign, McLaren, Theodore, Ligier, Ferrari, Renault and Lola.
“After Gilles died, the Scuderia Ferrari asked me to take the wheel of the No. 27 Ferrari, the car he used to drive in F1.” Tambay continued.
“At first, I hesitated. I asked myself if replacing Gilles at Ferrari could become some sort of psychological or sentimental handicap. It was a very difficult decision to make. I discussed the matter with friends and people I knew well and their attitude was extraordinary.” Tambay told us.
“I finally accepted. As I drove my first laps at the Fiorano test track in Italy, I could feel Gilles' spirit still floating around. In the end, I really enjoyed my time at Ferrari and I experienced some great and memorable moments behind the wheel of the No. 27 Ferrari," Tambay declared.
Frenchman Patrick Tambay was a close friend of Gilles Villeneuve. He took over driving duties of the famous No. 27 Ferrari Formula 1 car after Villeneuve's death in May of 1982.
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| Patrick Tambay, Ferrari. (Photo: WRi2) |
“Inevitably, all French drivers became friends with Gilles Villeneuve. He made us all discover the province of Quebec and French-speaking Canadians. He was a fantastic ambassador of his country. He used to take us in the deep woods in his pickup truck.” Tambay told us.
“I came to Quebec on several occasions when I was racing Formula Atlantics and Can-Ams. It was Gilles who made me discover the warmth of the people and I have since become close friends with several of them. Gilles was also a very good friend and I helped him find a place to live in Europe when he started his Formula 1 career,” said Tambay who raced for teams Ensign, McLaren, Theodore, Ligier, Ferrari, Renault and Lola.
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| Patrick Tambay, Can-Am. (Photo: René Fagnan/Auto123.com) |
“After Gilles died, the Scuderia Ferrari asked me to take the wheel of the No. 27 Ferrari, the car he used to drive in F1.” Tambay continued.
“At first, I hesitated. I asked myself if replacing Gilles at Ferrari could become some sort of psychological or sentimental handicap. It was a very difficult decision to make. I discussed the matter with friends and people I knew well and their attitude was extraordinary.” Tambay told us.
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| Enzo Ferrari and Patrick Tambay. (Photo: WRi2) |
“I finally accepted. As I drove my first laps at the Fiorano test track in Italy, I could feel Gilles' spirit still floating around. In the end, I really enjoyed my time at Ferrari and I experienced some great and memorable moments behind the wheel of the No. 27 Ferrari," Tambay declared.