Video: A first look at the upcoming Villeneuve and Pironi documentary

Fans have been offered a first look at what to expect when the upcoming documentary about Gilles Villeneuve and Didier Pironi is released later this year.

This weekend's Miami Grand Prix takes place on 8 May, 40 years to the day since Villeneuve lost his life driving for Ferrari at Zolder in Belgium.

The French-Canadian, father of 1996 F1 World Champion Jacques, had been embroiled in a bitter, albeit short-lived, feud with his teammate Pironi, after the French driver took victory at the 1982 San Marino Grand Prix.

That race at Imola proved to be the last normal weekend for either driver.

Following Villeneuve's death, Pironi went on to lead Ferrari but, later that same year, was seriously injured in a crash at Hockenheim when he ploughed unsighted into the back of Alain Prost's Renault.

Pironi would never return to F1, and died five years later in a powerboating accident.

Both drivers have become intrinsically linked through their 1982 rivalry, with production company Noah Media making a feature-length documentary about their lives and careers.

Joann Villeneuve speaks about her husband's life

Villeneuve's widow, Joann, gave an interview during the recent Imola weekend, speaking about her late husband's love of racing, some of which will be broadcast by several broadcasters - including Sky - this anniversary weekend.

"Gilles believed that the edge is where you have to be," she said.

"To him, the best thing was kissing the guard rails."

Both the Villeneuve and Pironi families have contributed in a collaborative fashion to the project, which is due for a late 2022 release on Sky Documentaries and NowTV.

"My family and I are pleased to participate in the making of the documentary 'Villeneuve & Pironi'," Joann added.

"This period in time and these events were traumatic for our family and, after more than 40 years, still remain very emotional.

"Having been a privileged witness to these events, it is important that this story be told with respect.

"We are looking forward to working with Noah Media Group, who we know are committed to telling this story in the right way."

Catherine Goux, Pironi's partner, said: "My children and I are delighted to take part in this film together with the Villeneuve family. We have no doubt that Noah Media Group are the best in class in what they do.

"We are looking forward to the world learning more about the two incredible men that were Gilles and Didier, but also for a new generation to discover this unique and inspiring story that reaches beyond the sport itself."