San Marino Grand Prix 1982 - Race Schedule and Countdown

The San Marino Grand Prix became one of Formula 1's most controversial races when the FISA-FOCA war reached crisis point. FOCA teams boycotted the event entirely, leaving only 14 cars on the grid - all from manufacturer-backed teams loyal to FISA. The depleted field turned the race into a Ferrari procession, with Gilles Villeneuve leading teammate Didier Pironi in formation. Ferrari displayed "SLOW" pit boards, which Villeneuve interpreted as instructions to hold position and conserve the cars to the finish.

In the closing laps, Pironi repeatedly attacked and passed Villeneuve, engaging in fierce wheel-to-wheel combat that thrilled the Imola crowd. On the final lap, Pironi made a decisive move and crossed the line first, believing he had simply raced his teammate fairly. Villeneuve felt utterly betrayed, convinced Pironi had violated an agreement to maintain positions. The Canadian confronted Pironi immediately after the race, vowing never to speak to him again. The bitter feud would have devastating consequences just two weeks later at Zolder. Michele Alboreto finished third for Tyrrell, capitalizing on the absence of most front-running teams.