©WRI2
The 1982 San Marino Grand Prix took place on this day, and it was anything but a simple affair.
For starters, Formula 1's independent teams had boycotted the race as a result of an acrimonious FISA/FOCA power struggle. This theoretically set up Ferrari for an easy win.
Indeed, Gilles Villeneuve took command and thought he could cruise his way to the checkered flag in front of team mate Didier Pironi after the two men were ordered to hold position in the closing stages of the race.
But the Frenchman promptly ignored the Scuderia pit signals and overtook Villeneuve for the lead on the ultimate lap. The Canadian was understandably livid and vowed never to speak to Pironi again.
He would seek revenge on the race track - as a true racer does - at the following race, the Belgian Grand Prix at Zolder.
Alas, fate would deny Villeneuve that opportunity...
