Regular readers of this column will have noticed – indeed they could scarcely have not noticed! – that over the years Gilles Villeneuve has figured in it a great deal more than any other personality in racing. I make no excuse for this, but would like to try to explain why it was inevitable.
From the start it was apparent to me, and to many others, that Gilles had star quality. I can remember watching him hurl that McLaren M23 round Silverstone during testing in 1977. Times without number he spun the thing, sorted himself out, found first gear and tore away again.
