Jacques Villeneuve will try out one of his father's Formula 1 Ferraris to mark the 30th anniversary of Gilles' death. The event will take place at the Italian company's Fiorano test track on 8 May.
Gilles died on that date in 1982, when he crashed during final practice for the Belgian Grand Prix at Zolder. He made his Formula 1 debut at the 1977 British Grand Prix, driving for McLaren – the only occasion on which he competed in something other than a Ferrari at motor sport's top level.
His son Jacques followed him into racing, and became Formula 1 World Champion with the Williams team in 1997. At Fiorano, Villeneuve Jnr will drive a 1979 Ferrari T4 – the car with which Gilles enjoyed his most successful season. He won three races on his way to second in the championship behind team-mate Jody Scheckter. The pairing secured that year's Constructors' Championship for the marque.
"It will be a fitting occasion to evoke the memory of a man who has and always will have a place of honour in the history of Ferrari," said a spokesman. "His memory is still vivid and alive in the minds of many at Maranello."
Jacques has driven one of his father's cars before, demonstrating Gilles' 1978 Ferrari T3 at the 2004 Goodwood Festival of Speed (below).
James Page is a regular contributor to – and former Editor of – Classic & Sports Car