I wonder how the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve got it's name

So the Canadian Grand Prix is coming up and I am so ready for the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. But every time I hear the name I wonder why, why did the Canadians call it the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.

Where is it?

It is in the middle of Montreal, Quebec, Canada. And it started hosting the GP in 1978 after safety concerns came out at Mosport Park which held the GP before it.

What is its history?

The circuit was originally called  Île Notre-Dame Circuit, after the island it is situated on, Île Notre-Dame. But in 1982 the circuit was renamed Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in honour of Gilles Villeneuve who died that year.

Who was Gilles Villeneuve?

Gilles Villeneuve was a Canadian Formula 1 driver who won only six Grand Prix in his short career. His first race was at the 1977 British Grand Prix where he raced for McLaren. He made his professional debut the year after full time with the Ferrari team. He raced until his death in 1982 at qualifying for the Belgium Grand Prix after colliding with Jochen Mass at the Zolder circuit. He was 32 years old. He was an idol and hero to many including his son Jaques Villeneuve, wherein 1997 became the first and only Canadian to win the F1 World Championship.

To commemorate him the start finish was decorated with a saying.



Salut Gilles, French for Hello Gilles, talking to him above