STORY OF THE DAY: Pironi Wins a Controversial Ferrari Duel

On 25 April 1982, Didier Pironi won the San Marino Grand Prix at Imola in Ferrari 126 C2 number 28. Gilles Villeneuve finished second to complete a Ferrari one-two, but the World Championship result was overshadowed by a bitter disagreement between the teammates over the meaning of the team’s late-race instructions.

With the Renaults retired and Michele Alboreto’s Tyrrell far behind, Ferrari signalled its drivers to reduce their pace and conserve the cars. Villeneuve believed this fixed the order; Pironi considered them free to compete. After several exchanges, Pironi passed at Tosa on the final lap. The victory was valid, but the relationship between the drivers was irreparably damaged.

Ferrari’s 126 C2 used a twin-turbocharged 1.5-litre V6 in a light, stiff chassis made with aluminium honeycomb construction. Improved aerodynamics and better structural rigidity made it far more effective than the 126 CK and placed Ferrari among the strongest teams of the 1982 season.

Born near Paris, Pironi had won Le Mans with Renault before establishing himself in Formula One with Tyrrell and Ligier. He joined Ferrari in 1981 and became a championship contender the following year. Imola was his first victory for the Scuderia, yet its tactical ambiguity made it the most controversial success of his career.