Noah Media Group & Sky Studios Launching Formula One Doc

Noah Media Group and Sky Studios, which recently confirmed a multi-title development deal, are teaming up for the Formula One feature documentary Villeneuve & Pironi.

Centering on the story of Formula One legends Gilles Villeneuve and Didier Pironi, the film focuses on the 1982 F1 season, when the two rival Ferrari teammates each had the talent and the car to win the World Title. The film will premiere on Sky Documentaries and streaming service NOW in the U.K., Italy and Germany.

On the final laps of the Italian Grand Prix, Pironi passed Villeneuve to win the race. Villeneuve believed that the act went against the team orders that he thought both drivers were obeying, and the move ultimately became known as The Betrayal. The two racers never spoke again.

Two generations of both families will contribute to the doc, including Villeneuve and Pironi’s children. Villeneuve’s wife Joann Villeneuve and Pironi’s partner Catherine Goux also contribute, alongside some of the biggest names in Formula One history.

NBCUniversal Global Distribution will handle international sales of Villeneuve & Pironi, made in collaboration with Sky Italia, on behalf of Sky Studios.

Joann Villeneuve said: “My family and I are pleased to participate in the making of the documentary Villeneuve & Pironi. 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 Gouxadded: “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 and its director Torquil 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.”

John McKenna, producer and Noah CEO, said: ‘We are extremely privileged and grateful to both the Villeneuve and Pironi families for putting their trust in Noah Media Group to tell this truly remarkable story of two incredible men. This will be a film with huge emotion and drama at its heart, and we believe it will be the perfect start to our relationship with Sky Studios.”

Barney Shingleton, Sky Studios’ director of factual, added: “It is fantastic to see our partnership with Noah Media bearing fruit with such an exceptional film, and I hope that this is the first of many premium documentaries we can bring to Sky’s European customers.”

Roberto Pisoni, Sky Italia’s director of entertainment channels, said: “We are happy to announce this beautiful project, together with Noah and Sky Studios, which tells the human and sports story that still today, after almost 40 years, remains one of the most controversial and passionate moments in the history of Formula 1. With Villeneuve & Pironi, thanks to the exclusive contribution of those who were closest to the drivers, we tell the story of two great champions, whose relationship was pushed to the limit, on and off the track.”