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Rare photos of the career of the late Gilles Villeneuve (Part 1)

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Khatir Soltani
We are slowly approaching the end of 2012 – the year that marks the 30th anniversary of the tragic loss of Ferrari Formula 1 driver Gilles Villeneuve at the circuit of Zolder, Belgium on May 8, 1982.

F1 Gilles Villeneuve
Gilles Villeneuve in the Ferrari 312 T3 in 1978. (Photo: Ferrari)

Here is a first set of rarely seen photos of his brilliant career, from his beginnings in the Formula Ford 1600 series in Canada to his glory days in Formula 1.

Gilles Villeneuve in the Magnum Formula Ford car. (Photo: Lucie St-Jacques)

F1 Gilles Villeneuve
In Formula Atlantic in 1977. (Personal collection René Fagnan)

F1 Gilles Villeneuve
With Ronnie Peterson at Mosport for a sedan race with BMW. (Photo: Guy Blellerive)

F1 Gilles Villeneuve
Driving a Camaro alongside Mo Carter at the 24 Hours of Daytona. (Photo: Guy Bellerive)

F1 Gilles Villeneuve
Firsts tests of the Ferrari 312 T3 at Fiorano. (Photo: Ferrari)

Jean-Pierre St-Jacques, Gilles Villeneuve and Joan. (Photo: Lucie St-Jacques)

F1 Gilles Villeneuve
During the Race of Champions, in 1978, at Brands Hatch. (Photo: Ferrari)

Gilles Villeneuve
Gilles Villeneuve, Joan and Mauro Forghieri. (Photo: WRI2)


Khatir Soltani
Khatir Soltani
Automotive expert
As a car enthusiast, he tests and compares vehicles from different categories through the eyes of the consumer, ensuring relevant and objective reviews.
  • Over 6 years experience as a car reviewer
  • Over 50 test drives in the last year
  • Involved in discussions with virtually every auto manufacturer in Canada