Benetton B201

Benetton B201
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Category	Formula One
Constructor	Benetton
Designer	Mike Gascoyne
Chassis	Carbon-fibre monocoque
Suspension (front)	double wishbone, pushrod
Suspension (rear)	double wishbone, pushrod
Engine	Renault RS21 V10 (111°) naturally aspirated
Transmission	Benetton 6-speed longitudinal semi-automatic sequential
Fuel	Elf
Tyres	Michelin
Notable entrants	Mild Seven Benetton Renault
Notable drivers	7. Giancarlo Fisichella 8. Jenson Button
Debut	2001 Australian Grand Prix
Races competed	17
Race victories	0
Constructors' Championships	0
Drivers' Championships	0
Pole positions	0
Fastest laps	0

The Benetton B201 was the car with which the Benetton team competed in the 2001 Formula One season. It was driven by Giancarlo Fisichella, who was in his fourth year with the team, and Jenson Button, who moved from Williams after an impressive début season in 2000.

Jenson Button driving the B201.

For the Benetton team, 2001 marked the end of an era. The team, which had existed since 1986, had been sold to engine suppliers Renault in 2000, and 2002 would mark the complete takeover of the team. However, Renault's return to F1 in 2001 as an engine supplier after a three-year hiatus proved extremely troublesome for most of the year.

The car's main problem was the unusual wide-angled (111°) engine configuration. Although this offered potential aerodynamic advantages as it sat lower in the chassis, the initial form of the engine proved to lack horsepower and reliability. The first half of the season was a disaster as the cars often struggled to qualify in the top twenty, and could only battle Minardi at the tail of the field. However, Fisichella managed to salvage a point at Interlagos.

From mid-season, the car steadily improved, with revised aerodynamics and an effective launch and traction control system that was implemented during the course of the season. A rather fortituitous double-points finish at Hockenheim was followed by an outstanding display from Fisichella to take third place at Spa. Thereafter, the car was a consistent challenger for points, even if Button was outperformed by his team-mate all season.

The team eventually finished seventh in the Contructors' Championship, with 10 points.

Complete Formula One results

(key) (results in bold indicate pole position)

Year	Team	Engine	Tyres	Drivers	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12	13	14	15	16	17	Points	WCC
2001	Benetton	Renault V10	M		AUS	MAL	BRA	SMR	ESP	AUT	MON	CAN	EUR	FRA	GBR	GER	HUN	BEL	ITA	USA	JPN	10	7th
				Giancarlo Fisichella	13	Ret	6	Ret	14	Ret	Ret	Ret	11	11	13	4	Ret	3	10	8	17
				Jenson Button	14	11	10	12	15	Ret	7	Ret	13	16	15	5	Ret	Ret	Ret	9	7