Retired since 2018 after a successful 43 year career at MontrealJournalPierre Durocher admits that he was born under a lucky star.
• Also read: 25 years ago Glory for Villeneuve, shame for Schumacher
• Also read: Jacques Villeneuve: The Failed Adventure at BAR
• Also read: Jacques Villeneuve: a successful start
• Also read: The bumpy road to consecration
• Also read: The scheme of Ferrari and his boss
• Also read: “It’s a bit surprising and it warms the heart”
• Also read: “We made a mistake at Villeneuve”
And it was a combination of circumstances that sent him to Spain to talk about this incredible European Formula 1 Grand Prix 25 years ago, in the company of some Quebec journalists, including notably Louis Butcher, Réjean Tremblay, Daniel Poulin and Céline Galipeau to report. This event, which, on October 26, 1997, was to crown Jacques Villeneuve at the wheel of his Williams-Renault.
“I lived through the good years of the Expos, the Canadiens and the Alouettes, the Montreal 1976 Olympics, not to mention Gilles Villeneuve’s victory in the Canadian Grand Prix,” he recalls.
“At the end of the summer of 1997, my ex-colleague, Pierre Lecours, who was responsible for motorsport coverage, had told our boss that the long journeys were becoming more and more tiring and that he wanted to stay longer in Montreal,” he explains.
Controversy in Suzuka
Durocher was tasked with covering the final F1 events of the season, notably at Monza, Spielberg and the Nürburgring, before witnessing ‘Villeneuvemania’ in Japan and then Spain two weeks later.
“This penultimate Grand Prix at Suzuka was controversial from start to finish. And Jacques paid the bill,” claims Durocher.
As a reminder, Villeneuve had won the previous German GP on September 28 to dethrone Michael Schumacher at the top of the drivers’ standings.
With a nine point lead [une victoire ne valait que dix points en 1997] Before arriving in Japan, he learned that he was being penalized for not observing a yellow flag during a free practice session at the Suzuka circuit, having previously made the same mistake at Monza.
Unaware of the content of his penalty, Villeneuve decided to compete in the Japanese GP anyway, where he finished fifth. Then came the verdict of the World Automobile Federation (FIA), which deprived him of the two points of his fifth place. Williams chose not to appeal this decision.
“I remember that Villeneuve didn’t hesitate to destabilize Schumacher during the race, but without making a mistake or taking him out of the race. Michael’s teammate at Ferrari, Eddie Irvine, also got involved. »
One point ahead
To make matters worse for Villeneuve, Schumacher not only won this penultimate stage of the season, but resumed his role as championship leader by a slim one point before heading to Spain.
“The tension was palpable in Jerez,” says Durocher. And this from Thursday at a press conference. Among the journalists, we tried to get reactions from Villeneuve, who was known for his candor and mouthwatering statements.
“I have often described him as the atypical champion. Unlike the other pilots, he was politically incorrect! »
“The atmosphere was special,” continues Duro. Jacques wanted revenge for the unjust situation he had experienced in Japan. The FIA was on his case. She didn’t like his rebellious side. Ferrari director Jean Todt went ahead and had his entire army deployed to Jerez. »
Let’s add that the same Todt was to become President of the FIA in 2009.
Unwritten law disobeyed
More events followed one another to add spice to this weekend of twists and turns.
“When we noticed this, Villeneuve and two other pilots were there [Schumacher et Heinz-Harald Frentzen] were credited with the same time in qualifying, we couldn’t believe our eyes. »
Then the next day, on the 48th lap of the race, that famous overtaking happened.
“Never in my career have I experienced such a reaction when Villeneuve overtook Schumacher,” says Durocher. Joy exploded in the room, even among Italian reporters! »
That unwritten rule that says journalists shouldn’t show their favoritism in a newsroom [no cheering in the press box pour reprendre l’expression consacrée] was disregarded… when Villeneuve took the lead in the race. It was obvious that the journalists were biased towards him.
“It was unreal and I feel fortunate to have attended the inauguration of a pilot from our region,” concluded Durocher.