Gilles Appeal

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Sir,

I just wanted to say how good I thought was the article on Gilles Villeneuve in the last issue. I am a big fan of Gilles’ and have always thought him a great man and an exciting driver. Sadly, I never saw him race, as he died the year after I was born.

Having read so many articles about him, I often find that half the article is about his death, while the rest is filled with the usual anecdotes about his mad driving both on and off the track. This story, however, provided background information while creating interest for new Villeneuve fans.

From the spectator’s point of view it is difficult to agree with Jody Scheckter’s view that the racing with Rene Arnoux at Dijon was “stupid” as it was the most exciting race I have seen in F1. However, I understand that from a safety point of view it angered other drivers. It’s a shame F1 has progressed so that now it would be safer to race like that, but both the cars and the tracks prevent drivers from getting that close. A great driver like Schumacher can make up for that with some solo performances and overtaking, when it happens, is never taken for granted. Yet with Schumacher out, there is no obvious best driver and for the sort of racing seen in Gilles Villeneuve’s time and before, you need more than one great driver.

I am, yours, etc. Vicky Backhurst, Ottershaw, Surrey