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Revision as of 10:28, 23 December 2008
Benetton Formula Ltd., commonly referred to simply as Benetton, was a Formula One constructor that participated from 1986 to 2001. The team was owned by the Benetton family who ran a worldwide chain of clothing stores of the same name. In 2000 the team was purchased by Renault, but competed as Benetton for the 2001 season. In 2002 the team became Renault F1.
History
Benetton Formula Ltd. was formed at the end of 1985 when the Toleman team was sold to the Benetton family. The team began with BMW engines and then later switched to Ford.
The team was managed by Flavio Briatore from 1990 until 1997. Rocco Benetton, the youngest son of Luciano Benetton joined the team as aerodynamics engineer in 1998 and fired Briatore. He replaced him with Prodrive boss David Richards, who lasted only for a year when he too was fired, due to a disagreement with the Benetton family about future strategy. Following Richards' departure, Rocco Benetton managed the team for three years until its sale to Renault. Rocco Benetton successfully managed to achieve an unheard of salesprice in F1 terms.
The Benetton team is best known for its success with Michael Schumacher, who accounts for 19 of the team's 27 career victories and their 2 driver's championships. After switching to Renault engines, they also won the constructor's championship in 1995 with Schumacher and Johnny Herbert. After 1995, Schumacher moved to Ferrari along with Ross Brawn, Nigel Stepney, Rory Byrne and 11 other key figures from his two championship winning seasons with Benetton. From this point, the Benetton team was never what it once was.
On March 16 2000, the team was sold to Renault for $120 million USD. As part of their restructuring, Renault brought back Flavio Briatore as team manager. During their final season in 2001 the drivers, Jenson Button and Giancarlo Fisichella, were often on the back two rows of the grid. This was in part attributed to the new 110-degree wide angle engine. But as the Renault era approached, the cars performance lifted. Towards the end of the season, Giancarlo Fisichella recorded a fine podium finish behind Michael Schumacher and David Coulthard. Continued development allowed Benetton to leave Formula 1 on some what of a high.
Nationality
Benetton Team had a United Kingdom license from 1986 to 1995 and an Italian license from 1996 to 2001. Benetton family wanted this change of nationality in order to have a F1 team of their own country.
Benetton drivers
Former drivers for Benetton include Jean Alesi, Gerhard Berger, Thierry Boutsen, Martin Brundle, Jenson Button, Giancarlo Fisichella, Johnny Herbert, Jyrki Järvilehto, Roberto Moreno, Alessandro Nannini, Riccardo Patrese, Nelson Piquet, Michael Schumacher, Jos Verstappen and Alexander Wurz.
See also
External links