[woodcote]

Ever since the 126C2 was announced several years ago, the revered Zolder car was intended as the first release. It is being produced in a special commemorative box, which is what has been delayed, according to Maurizio - hence going with the Pironi Long Beach entry first (in News here).

I don't know if our reticence about this release is a British cultural oddity? I reckon our attitudes and behaviour towards death and commemoration is somewhat out of step with the rest of the world - very reserved and rather sanitised. I agree with Hub. I have no doubt that Maurizo's plans for producing this car will have been completely in tune with the Italian and worldwide Ferrari fanbase that continues to idolise Villeneuve. It's not as if there haven't been several 126C2 models made as diecasts in various scales - including versions of Villeneuve's Zolder car in special packaging. 

That weekend at Zolder - following on from Imola - is at the heart of the Villeneuve mythology. He is remembered for the tragedy of his death - and what might have been - as much as for his modest achievements. In my mind, to produce the 126C2 and then avoid the Zolder car would be very strange indeed!