The Ferrari 128 CK was a development of Ferrari's first turbocharged Grand Prix car which was launched in 1980. Featuring a fire breathing 600 hp 1,496 cc / 91 cui 120ยบ V6 twin turbo charged motor and six speed gearbox Villeneuve described this car as a 'big red Cadillac' because the chronic turbo lag, ferocious power curve combined with ground effect aerodynamics made this car a real handful to keep under control.
Despite it's wayward characteristics Gilles pulled off two of the most entertaining victories this writer has ever seen on TV, the first at Monaco (apologies commentary in German) came after Champion elect Nelson Piquet spun off after leading for 51 laps and reigning Champion Alan Jones experienced a fuel feed problem which allowed Gilles to steal a late victory on the one circuit least suited to his cars few strengths.
Two weeks later Gilles pulled off an even more unlikely victory at the equally tight and unsuited Jarama Circuit this time Villeneuve took the lead after 14 laps when reigning Champion Jones spun off. Gilles kept a four car train behind him for the rest of this exciting race by using the Ferrari's brutal power on the straights to pull away out of the corners, going round the corners his pursuers bunched up time after time but did not have the brute strength to get an edge on the straights.
The finish of the 1981 Spanish Grand Prix was one of the closest in history with the first five cars being separated by 1.24 seconds. Sadly this would be the last time Gilles would take the checkered flag.
By the time Ferrari had arrived in Britain they were developing a to minimise turbo lag by injecting fuel into the red hot turbo exhaust pipe when the throttle was off, as the fuel ignited in the turbo exhaust pipe a vacuum was created between the burning fuel and turbo outlet which caused the turbo to spin faster so that when the throttle was depressed turbo boost was more readily available. When ever the 126 CK was off throttle a flame would appear licking out of the exhausts.
At some point this system was banned, it being successfully argued by teams using naturally aspirated motors that the turbo afterburner constituted a second engine, when the rules clearly stated only one motor was allowed.
At the British Grand Prix, apologies Austrian commnetary, Gilles qualified 8th and made up five places on the opening lap before loosing it on the apex of the last corner of the first lap. Notice in the clip that despite his totalled car Gilles somehow manages to squeeze another 1/4 lap out of the car before retiring, this guy just did not know how to stop when the chips were down.
Another memorable performance that emphasised Gilles never say die attitude came at the 1981 Canadian Grand Prix where despite his damaged front wing obscuring his vision and adversely affecting the already poor handing of his Ferrari for numerous laps, Gilles kept his car on the black stuff to record an amazing third place finish.
Gilles was killed in an accident during practice for the Belgian Grand Prix, May 8th 1982
Salute Gilles RIP.
Hope you will join me for another edition of 'Gettin' a lil' psycho on tyres' tomorrow. Don't forget to come back now !
That boy could race a snowmobile too. Gilles would come down to the states and win all the cash and girls.
ReplyDeleteI knew about the snowmobiles but did not know about the cash and girls JC ?
ReplyDelete