VILLENEUVE PIRONI: RACING’S UNTOLD TRAGEDY, the documentary detailing the fascinating rivalry between Quebec Formula 1® legend Gilles Villeneuve and champion Didier Pironi, is coming to Crave in French and English on June 12.
Through archival footage and interviews with Formula 1® world champions Jacques Villeneuve, Alain Prost and Sir Jackie Stewart, members of the Villeneuve and Pironi families, as well as figures from F1® and Scuderia Ferrari, the 90-minute documentary delves deep into their rise to glory, right up to the infamous and tragic 1982 Formula 1® season. These two intrepid Ferrari drivers were battling for the world championship in modern car racing’s most dangerous era. At the San Marino Grand Prix, Pironi broke an unwritten team agreement and “stole” the victory from Villeneuve, his teammate and close friend, on the last lap. VILLENEUVE PIRONI: RACING’S UNTOLD TRAGEDY is the story of two of the fastest drivers in history, their brief, violent lives that were intertwined, and the emotional scars their loved ones still live with today.
Joann Villeneuve, wife of the late Gilles Villeneuve, commented: ‘My family and I are pleased to participate in the making of the documentary VILLENEUVE PIRONI: RACING’S UNTOLD TRAGEDY. This period in time and these events were traumatic for our family and, after more than 40 years, still remain very emotional. Having been a privileged witness to these events, it is important that this story be told with respect.’
Melanie Villeneuve, daughter of Gilles Villeneuve and contributor in the documentary, added: ‘We are delighted to be working with Noah Media Group for the production of this docu-film. John McKenna, Torquil Jones and the entire Noah team have done a tremendous job, doing extensive research, providing high-quality interviews and footage to tell a story which is important to my family.’
VILLENEUVE PIRONI: RACING’S UNTOLD TRAGEDY is produced by Noah Media Group in association with Sky Studios. It is directed by Torquil Jones (“14 Peaks: Nothing Is Impossible”) and produced by John McKenna (“14 Peaks: Nothing Is Impossible,” “Steve McQueen: The Man & Le Mans”) and former Formula 1® driver Mark Webber. The documentary is distributed by NBCUniversal Global Distribution on behalf of Sky Studios.