Quebec Premier Christine Fréchette officially designated legendary racing driver Gilles Villeneuve as an official historic figure in Quebec on Friday.
The announcement was made during the Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix events in Montreal.
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The ceremony took place on Île Sainte-Hélène and at the Montreal Casino on Île-Notre-Dame as fans gathered for the Grand Prix's opening day.
The government granted the status to honor Villeneuve for his pivotal role in Quebec motorsports and Formula 1 history.
Villeneuve won six Grand Prix races during his career.
To mark the designation, authorities will install a commemorative plaque at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve, the racetrack that bears his name.
The son of a piano tuner and a seamstress, Villeneuve first gained attention by winning local snowmobile races in Berthierville.
In 1976, he defeated several Formula 1 drivers at a Formula Atlantic race in Trois-Rivières.
He won his first Grand Prix the following year during his first full season with Ferrari on Île Notre-Dame.
Villeneuve died tragically at age 32 during a qualifying race at the Zolder circuit in Belgium in 1982.
"It was a gesture that was necessary and long-awaited and which, fortunately, is seeing the light of day today," said Fréchette, who made the announcement alongside Culture Minister Mathieu Lacombe and members of the Villeneuve family.
The Premier emphasized the enduring legacy of the driver nearly 45 years after his passing.
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