Mauro Forghieri was chief designer at Ferrari between 1962-1985. He worked together with Gilles Villeneuve for the entire carreer of the Canadian idol. That is how he spoke about him to me.
What was you opinion on Gilles after the first meetings and tests in Fiorano?
He was a real novice but with a lot of quality of driving. For him the championship did not mean a lot but he liked the wrestling between himself and the car and the race. In this sense he believed in himself much and that was above the safety.
In 1977 Canada and special Japan was catastrophal. Also the first races in 1978. What did you and the team think of his performance?
He was learning and everybody was ready to forgive him.
How good was Gilles in the work with the engineers and with you? His feedbacks? Did he hear your advices?
He was able to stay in cockpit the wohle day to learn. He had very good relation with his engineer and he was believing in me.
More than 30 years after Gilles' death how do you rate him among the greats of F1?
Gilles is still the most popular driver in the world. I do remember the fight with Arnoux which is classic. The fans liked his approach and he even made them mad. These are behind that so many years after his death he is still considered as a real greatness. Gilles’ enthusiasm created also big enthusiasm int he people. He had such a huge natural strength which planted in everybody a faith towards him.
