Benetton Formula

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.

Related Topics:
Formula One - 1986 - 2001 - Benetton family

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The Benetton team was built on the ashes of the Toleman team, who performed well in 1984 with then-beginner Ayrton Senna, but could not compete in 1985 because it had no contract with a tyre manufacturer.

Related Topics:
Toleman - 1984 - Ayrton Senna - 1985

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The racing team itself was managed by Flavio Briatore until 1997. Briatore resigned and was replaced by Prodrive boss David Richards. He lasted until late 1998 when he too resigned, reportedly due to a disagreement with the Benetton family about future strategy. Following Richards' departure, Rocco Benetton would manage the team until its sale to Renault.

Related Topics:
Flavio Briatore - David Richards

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The Benetton team is best known for its success with Michael Schumacher. He accounts for 21 of the team's 27 career victories and their 2 driver's championships. They 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.

Related Topics:
Michael Schumacher - 1995 - Johnny Herbert - Ferrari - Ross Brawn - Nigel Stepney - Rory Byrne

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Benetton began with BMW engines and then switched to Ford. After Schumacher's first title Benetton switched to the Renault V10.

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The team was sold for the 2001 season to Renault. Renault brought back Flavio Briatore as team manager. During the 2001 season 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.

Related Topics:
2001 - Renault - Jenson Button - Giancarlo Fisichella

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The team was renamed Renault F1 for 2002 and in 2005 would see its driver Fernando Alonso win the World Championship, ironically due to the poor performance of Ferrari.

Related Topics:
Renault F1 - Fernando Alonso

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